WARREN, Mich. -- A local pastor faces charges of sex abuse against a child, and police said they were worried there could be more victims out there.
Christopher Settlemoir, 26, is the pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Warren, as well as principal of the adjoining Antioch Baptist Academy near 13 Mile and Dequindre roads in Warren.
Warren police confirmed with Local 4 that Settlemoir was freed on a $1 million bond Saturday. Formal arraignment is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Settlemoir faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Police said there were two separate instances of rape and sexual contact over the course of several months.
Members returned to Antioch Baptist Church in Warren Sunday where they learned the alleged victim is a member of that congregation.
Church went on as usual, but church members did not wish to speak about the allegations.
The 26-year-old is a father, husband and head pastor of Warren’s Antioch Baptist Church.
On Thursday, the mother of a 15-year-old boy presented to police text message evidence suggesting Settlemoir was having an inappropriate relations with her son.
The boy is a student at the adjacent school where Settlemoir is also a principal.
Warren police commissioner Bill Dwyer said police executed search warrants on Settlemoir’s home.
“We executed two search warrants Friday afternoon, the first search warrant was at his home, and there was evidence discovered there and I can’t go into detail there, there was a laptop in addition to the other evidence take from the home and also at the church,” Dwyer said.
Police said there is substantial evidence to back up the allegations
"I can tell you based on the search warrants, it may have occurred either place or both places,” Dwyer said.
Rosanna Morgan’s family owns the Ram’s Horn Restaurant next door to the church.
"Everyone that comes in here and I talk to them, they all like him,” Morgan said.
Michelle Konig is Ram's Horn waitress who has served on Settlemoir and his family.
"I was shocked; I still don’t believe it. I don't believe it at all," Konig said.
Local 4 went to Settlemoir's house Saturday, but he had no comment.
A neighbor who did not want her name used told Local 4 that Settlemoir and his wife are good neighbors and friends.
She didn't know about the accusations.
"He's very nice, his family is very nice. I've met a lot of his family. Everyone at church seems to like him. I'm really surprised. I'd never think that of him," the neighbor said.
Kathleen Monroe lives right next door to Settlemoir and said she feels unsettled living next to him.
"We don't want children around him if that's what he does. He shouldn't be working at the church either," Monroe said.
Antioch church officials have not commented on Settlemoir's future at the church.
About 40 students attend Antioch Baptist Academy and the church has about 450 members.
Police said Settlemoir made admissions upon his arrest Saturday. Police said his admissions will come out in time.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks