The Black Collar Crime Series relies on public news stories and publicly available information for its content. If any incorrect information is found, please contact Bruce Gerencser. Nothing in this post should be construed as an accusation of guilt. Those accused of crimes are innocent until proven guilty.
Bryan Crabtree, a youth pastor at Sulphur Springs Christian Church in Sulphur Springs, Indiana, and a substitute teacher and coach with the Shenandoah School Corporation, stands accused of sexual misconduct with a minor and child solicitation — both felonies.
A central Indiana man working as a youth pastor, substitute teacher and coach in Henry County has been arrested on child sex crime charges.
Bryan Crabtree of Sulphur Springs was arrested Thursday afternoon by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives began investigating Crabtree after receiving reports of sexual misconduct involving children.
Crabtree is a youth pastor with the Sulphur Springs Christian Church as well as a substitute teacher and coach with the Shenandoah School Corporation, HCSO said. The church immediately fired Crabtree after his arrest.
HCSO said the school district has since been notified of his charges, police added. FOX59/CBS4 has reached out to the district for comment.
The following preliminary charges have been filed against Crabtree:
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor – Level 4 Felony
Child Solicitation (3 counts) – Level 5 Felony
Henry County officials said that the investigation into Crabtree is ongoing and that additional charges are expected to be filed against him before trial.
Bruce Gerencser, 67, lives in rural Northwest Ohio with his wife of 46 years. He and his wife have six grown children and sixteen grandchildren. Bruce pastored Evangelical churches for twenty-five years in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. Bruce left the ministry in 2005, and in 2008 he left Christianity. Bruce is now a humanist and an atheist.
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