I have never heard of this man before, but this is a very sad situation…and I am sure not an isolated incident as there are pedophiles everywhere — schools, churches, the public restroom you let your child visit alone, and even in the doctor’s office.

The former music director at one of Maryland’s most powerful churches admits he raped a 12-year-old member of the congregation.

Prosecutors say Timothy Price broke the bond of trust, having sex with the girl three times as he took her to and from church events at Bethel A.M.E. in North Baltimore.

Mike Hellgren was in the courtroom, which was packed with church members.

Nearly 20,000 people are members of Bethel A.M.E. Price worked with dozens of children as the minister of music. In the courtroom Wednesday morning, the prosecutor read the lurid details of his sexual encounters with one of them. Price now faces seven years in prison for rape.

The sex scandal rocked this church. One of their most respected and involved members, Timothy Price, admitted having sexual intercourse on three occasions with a 12-year-old member of the congregation he mentored. Once was after taking her home from Bible study.

The victim kept a journal detailing the disturbing acts. She finally told her mother, who called police.

“She has strong support from her immediate family members and they’ve been with her every step of the way,” said Joe Sviatko with the State’s Attorney’s Office.

The pastor at Bethel A.M.E. was in court, watching as Price admitted his guilt. But top church officials declined to speak publicly about the scandal.

Price’s attorney is now preparing his client’s case for sentencing. The music minister faces a maximum sentence of seven years behind bars. He’ll have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, stay away from children and submit his DNA to a statewide database.

“I can say that he’s definitely remorseful for what happened,” said Charles Waechter, Price’s attorney.

The case has deeply affected members of Bethel A.M.E. The church is home for 17,000 Marylanders, including Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, and a powerful stop along the campaign trail for many politicians over the years.

Now the entire church is leaning on faith to get through this very public, very painful breach of trust.

The victim may come to the sentencing, which is in August. Prosecutors say the plea deal spared her from having to testify in open court.

Price has no prior criminal record, which could mean a lighter sentence in the end. (Source)

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