Pastor charged with failing to report child molestation
A Jasper pastor was charged with a Class B misdemeanor for failing to report an incident of sexual assault after it was reported to him.
According to Jasper police, an investigation was opened on May 17, 2019, after police received information about multiple incidents of sexual battery and child molesting that had occurred three to five years ago. The investigation led to the arrest of Dexter Hensley on May 21, 2019.
The incidents allegedly occurred at the Jasper Apostolic Church — the Jasper Christian Academy is also located at that address –sometime between 2012 and 2015. The victims were between 5 and 9 years old at the time of the incidents.
During the investigation, police learned that Howard W. Geck, 62, of Huntingburg, the pastor at Jasper Apostolic Church, was notified of the allegations regarding the sexual battery and child molestation about two years ago.
He did not report the incidents to police, said police.
It is a class B misdemeanor to fail to report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect in the State of Indiana. Individuals are required by law to make a report of any such suspicions to the Department of Child Services or a local law enforcement agency.
In an attempt to encourage reporting of child abuse and to educate the public of their legal duty, the Dubois County Prosecuting Attorney’s office is currently offering amnesty to anyone who has previously failed to report an incident regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred — the office received information regarding Geck prior to issuing the amnesty program.
The amnesty program runs until July 31, 2019. The prosecutor’s office and local law enforcement agencies issued a reminder to the public that the citizens of Dubois County have an obligation to report abuse and provide victims with the opportunity to receive help as well as prevent further abuse from occurring.
This is a United Pentecostal Church and Howard Geck is the pastor at this church and another in Huntingburg- New Life United Pentecostal Church. He holds an ordained license in the UPCI. He’s not the only UPCI minister who has been charged with failure to report child sexual abuse.
This is sad how can someone that considers their self to be so religious do this why do people try to cover it up it is not right
Come on folks if we don’t stand up for the children who will? If you know or even suspect something foul against any child RETORT IT! Remember children have no one else to turn to except adults who truly care about their well being. God bless the children.