Former church leader with ties to three states charged with almost 100 counts of child sex abuse

On September 28, Maryland State Police reported that a former Cecil County church youth group leader was taken into custody after being indicted for child sexual abuse offenses.  Those offenses were alleged to have taken place during his time of service at the church. The suspect was identified as Allen L. Price, 58, of Quarryville, Pennsylvania.

On Thursday, a Cecil County Grand Jury issued five indictments and charged Price with five counts of felony second degree child abuse, 41 counts of felony second degree sex offense, three counts of felony third degree sex offense, 49 counts of fourth degree sex offense, a misdemeanor, and 11 counts of second-degree assault, also a misdemeanor.

Price was arrested without incident at 6:00 a.m. on September 28 at his Quarryville home by Pennsylvania State Police, accompanied by Maryland State Police investigators.  He was taken to the Lancaster Barrack for processing and will be transported to the Lancaster County Detention Center to await an initial appearance before a magistrate.  Maryland State Police investigators are initiating procedures to extradite Price back to Maryland.

The investigation into these alleged offenses began in the summer of 2017, when Maryland State Police criminal investigators received information concerning the suspect.  An extensive investigation has been underway since, with assistance from the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Cecil County Child Advocacy Center and allied law enforcement agencies.  The investigation, involving interviews and evidence collection, resulted in testimony before a Cecil County Grand Jury empaneled by the county state’s attorney.

The investigation indicates Price was a volunteer youth group leader at Grace Bible Chapel in Rising Sun, Maryland, from 1987 until 2001.  The charges against Price allege that while a youth group leader, he assaulted and abused five female victims who at the time ranged in age from 11 to 16 and were attending youth group meetings.

The criminal investigation is continuing.  Investigators want to be certain they have spoken with anyone who was a victim.  Their investigation indicates the suspect still has ties to Quarryville, Pennsylvania and Lewes, Delaware, where he has been involved in youth activities.  Anyone who would like to speak with an investigator is urged to call the Maryland State Police North Central Region Criminal Enforcement Division at 410-996-7811.

(Source: MSP)

~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter