FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — One central Ohio police department is looking into multiple reports of sexual assaults involving children at a Hillard church.
According to the Hillard Division of Police, “The alleged incidents took place at the Open Gate Church of God, located at 4410 Avery Road, from about 2012 to 2014. The church is now under new leadership and the investigation does not involve any current staff.”
The police department said that the victims were all girls under the age of 10 when the alleged assaults occurred. The suspect, victims said, was a “male youth member of the church who previously assisted in the children’s and teen rooms.”
“It is never too late to come forward with information about a crime,” said Chief of Police Michael Woods. “We’re asking parents and responsible adults to facilitate open and honest conversations with their children about any inappropriate behavior they may have witnessed or experienced.”
No charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tom Morris at 614-334-2473 or [email protected].