A former Bible class instructor in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has been charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse after a former student came forward with allegations of repeated assaults.
Michael Hess, 49, of Quarryville, was an instructor for the Awana Bible study class at the New Providence Church of God in Providence Township when the alleged abuse occurred, according to a criminal complaint filed by State Police.
The victim, who was around 7 years old at the time, reported to police that Hess had assaulted her on multiple occasions, with the alleged incidents occurring between 30-36 times. During the class, Hess would allegedly have the victim sit on his lap and touch her inappropriately, according to the complaint.
In an interview with State Police, Hess admitted to some of the allegations, stating that he would often seat the victim in a secluded area of the church sanctuary and sit next to her to conceal her. However, when confronted with the victim’s claim of multiple assaults, Hess said it was “highly possible” that she was correct.
Hess has been charged with multiple felony counts, including aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors. He also faces misdemeanor charges of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and indecent assault without consent.
Hess is currently free on $75,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on October 7.
