PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - A youth pastor accused of disturbing sexual crimes faced a judge in Broward County.
During Friday’s court appearance, 38-year-old Luis Clarke was charged with 20 counts of sexual battery, two counts of false imprisonment, sexual performance on a child and lewd and lascivious exhibition.
He worked as a part-time youth pastor at the Abraza tu Sueño Church, located in a Pembroke Pines shopping plaza.
According to police, the crimes occurred from March 2016 to March 2017, during which they said the suspect would pick up a 16-year-old girl 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 his crime that much more serious,” said Pembroke Pines Police Capt. Al Xiques.
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.
“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 Xiques.
Clarke was arrested at his house on Thursday.
In court, a judge ordered he stay away from the victims.
“He’s to have no contact with either of the victims in this matter, either directly or indirectly, through your family or your friends,” said the judge.
Police believe there could be other young victims in the case.
“In time, we’re confident that additional charges will be filed,” Xiques said.
Clarke was given a $660,000 bond.
If he does post bail, he would have to wear a GPS ankle monitor and refrain from owning any type of recording device, including a cellphone.
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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