PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - Pembroke Pines Police have arrested a youth pastor accused of sexual battery.
Thirty-eight-year-old Luis Clarke has been charged with 20 counts of sexual battery, two counts of false imprisonment, sexual performance by a child and lewd and lascivious exhibition, Thursday.
According to police, Clarke admitted the alleged crimes to detectives in a sworn statement.
“The evidence that was gathered from our detectives was not only the information provided to us from the victims in this case but also additional evidence that they were able to gather to include a confession made by Mr. Clarke himself regarding the crimes that he had committed,” said Pembroke Pines Police Capt. Al Xiques.
Police said Clarke’s disturbing crimes occurred from March 2016 to March 2017, during which they said he would pick up the victim from school and take her to his house along Northwest 142nd Street.
“The level of coercion that this suspect used in order to victimize this young lady is just so egregious that it makes this crime that much more serious,” said Xiques.
Officials said he also admitted to other similar crimes possibly involving young victims.
During their investigation, police learned Clarke brought a 15-year-old boy to his home to make him watch the acts.
Investigators said Clarke even activated his alarm system to prevent his victims from escaping.
Clarke was a part-time youth pastor at the Abraza tu Sueño Church, which is no longer operating.
Officials believe Clarke may have preyed on other young victims because of his role as a youth pastor.
Police now urge anyone who believes they have been victimized by Clarke to reach out.
“Our greatest concern is that there’s potentially additional victims in the community,” said Xiques. “In time, we’re confident that additional charges will be filed.”
Clarke remains in jail on a $660,000 bond.
If you have any information regarding Clarke, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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