Church Youth Leader Accused Of Touching Girl, 13 Was Helping Girl With Sacrament Classes

nbc ^ | 05.23.08

[Coleus]

Church Youth Leader Accused Of Touching Girl, 13
Group Leader Was Helping Girl With Sacrament Classes

 

NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- A youth group leader from a local church has been arrested, accused by prosecutors of inappropriately touching a 13-year-old girl.

Video Report

Members of the Carmel Presbyterian Church found it difficult to believe an employee there was arrested.   "I'm surprised, a little disappointed if it is true," Denise Bottinger, a church member, said.  Montgomery County prosecutors charged 61-year-old Norman Brooks with indecent assault.

Investigators said Brooks inappropriately touched a 13-year-old girl.  Investigators said Brooks was the girl's church youth group leader in Abington.  Investigators said Brooks assaulted the girl on nine different occasions between January and April of this year.  Police said Brooks admitted some disturbing details.

According a police report, Brooks told officers he touched the girls thigh twice at her home, while her unsuspecting mother was in the room.  Police said he also admitted to touching the 13-year-old's thigh in a car while driving her to a church breakfast.  NBC 10 went to Brooks' home for comment but no one came to the door and neighbors were reluctant to comment on camera.  But one neighbor said that she feels for the family.  Church members are still trying to digest the news about a man they said they've trusted with their children for years.  "He is dedicated to the church and does a lot for the church. Hopefully things will work out and if he did do it then I hope he gets the help that he needs," Bottinger said.  Brooks' preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 28.  Related Articles:  Find out more about Law Enforcement.

[xzins]

Would you please label this a devotional thread?

There’s a lot of devotion going into this obsession.

Thanks.

[LDO4CNO]

“I’m surprised, a little disappointed if it is true,”

Geez, just a little!?

[marinamuffy]

In her defense -

This woman was accosted by reporters while accompanying nursery-school children out to recess. She had heard absolutely nothing about this until the reporter was in her face. The man involved has been well known and well liked in the church for many years.

Although I do not know the details, from what I’ve heard 3rd and 4th hand, most of the charges have been dropped and there is a chance the remaining charges will also be dropped. Many people at the church believe this was a horrible misunderstanding. The news reports were absolutely outrageous and I highly doubt they will do a follow up should he be exonerated.

I am not a member of this church anymore but I went there growing up. I left for theological reasons - they are PC (USA) - but I attended until I was a teenager and some of my friends and family still go there.

[swmobuffalo]

Why is there a 61 year old in charge of the youth? That’s disturbing.

[LiteKeeper]

I have repeatedly asked Coleus what is the motivation behind the steady stream of postings of pastoral misconduct. It has been going on for several days, and I, for one, am starting to get a little annoyed.

[xzins]

Coleus is making a statement. I think he’s pointing out that protestants also have pastoral misconduct, and that it’s not just priests.

To some degree, I agree with him.

The big difference is that the denominations involved do not shield the perp and then reassign him to other unsuspecting congregations.

Nor do they pretend that he retains pastoral status.

Because of that you don’t see any billion dollar awards by juries against the religious leaders of just one city.

[xzins]

61 year old in charge of youth

The same reason there are 61 year old school teachers, 61 year old coaches, 61 year old activity directors, and 61 year old pastors in general. Are you suggesting that 60 year olds are automatic child abusers?

[verity]

"Why is there a 61 year old in charge of the youth?"

What a strange question!

[swmobuffalo]

“Are you suggesting that 60 year olds are automatic child abusers?”

Why would you automatically assume that that is what I was suggesting in the first place?

In my experience, youth leaders are young, say 25-35, not in their 60’s.

[xzins]

Youth leaders come in all shapes and sizes and all ages.

Some are very gifted at it, and they continue to lead throughout their lives.

Sunday school teachers of children can also be of all ages.

[swmobuffalo]

“Youth leaders come in all shapes and sizes and all ages.

Some are very gifted at it, and they continue to lead throughout their lives.

Sunday school teachers of children can also be of all ages.”

Really, I had no idea. NOT.

[xzins]

You had no idea that youth leaders could be older people?