A registered sex offender is accused of fondling an 8-year-old girl.
Police said the incident happened at a Baltimore city church.
Rodney Key, 46, was released from prison in April after serving seven years in prison.
In 2001, Key pleaded guilty to child abuse in Talbot County. He received a 30-year sentence with 15 years suspended.
[...]
"He basically sat her on his lap and began to fondle her. He then told her he was going to spank her but that she was too sweet and then he told her not to tell anybody about this incident," Detective Donny Moses said.
Key was homeless at the time of his arrest.
Police said he was able to gain the trust of the church, doing odd jobs and that when police came looking for Key, church officials knew how to find him.
[...]
"I can't believe it, honestly I can't, I can't believe it," parishioner William Johnson said.
Churchgoers said they are shocked by the allegations, saying Key seemed like a harmless person.
"It's making me mad because even the nice faces are seeming like they're doing ungodly things and being a church I don't understand that, I don't understand that," Johnson said.
Police said it is vital that people and public institutions know who is working for them, even if the opportunity is given out of charity.
"From what I understand, the church saw a homeless guy who seemed innocent enough and they wanted to do what the church is supposed to do -- look out for people and help people. They tried to give him an opportunity and in this case it didn't turn up good," Moses said.
[...]
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks