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	Former Youth Pastor Accused of Sexual Assault KDKA [Pittsburgh] May 19, 2007 http://kdka.com/local/local_story_138213213.html A former youth pastor is facing charges after he allegedly sexually assaulted two boys. The alleged incidents began a decade ago while he was a youth pastor at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh in Wilkinsburg. According to police, the victims, who were 10 and 14 at the time, say the alleged incidents happened from 1997 to 2003 while they visited Baird's Penn Hills home during weekend retreats. Baird no longer lives at the home. Neighbors, who did not want to be identified, say they're shocked to learn of the allegations. "He had group sessions out in the yard and the boys would hold their hands in circles and listened to religious talks," a man told KDKA. Baird was both a youth pastor and an Evangelical pastor. He left the church three years ago. A spokesperson for Covenant Church tells KDKA: "Covenant Church of Pittsburgh is committed to caring for and protecting every minor entrusted to our care. Like all staff and volunteers at CCOP, Mr. Baird did pass a Pennsylvania State Police criminal background check." Penn Hills Police aren't saying what prompted the victims to come forward now, but they are encouraging any other possible victims to contact them. Most recently, Baird worked as a counselor at Pressley Ridge School on the North Side. He resigned within the last two weeks. A spokesperson for the school says they did a complete background check on Baird before they hired him and nothing came up and they didn't have problems with him while he worked there. Baird posted bond. KDKA attempted to contact him at his house, but his mother-in-law said they have no comment.
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