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  Former Charleston Church Rector Faces Additional Abuse Charge

Associated Press, carried in Charlotte Observer
October 9, 2007

http://www.charlotte.com/205/story/311498.html

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A former Charleston church rector arrested last month on a child molestation charge now faces additional charges, authorities said.

George Francis Weld, 61, was charged by Charleston County sheriff's deputies this week with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The assault charge involves a female between 14 and 18 years old when the crime allegedly occurred during the late 1980s. The sexual conduct count involved a young woman who was between 15 and 17.

Weld is a photographer who once was rector of a Johns Island Episcopal church. The incidents were not related to Weld's church duties, although they occurred when he served there, authorities said.

Weld was charged last month with fondling a boy who was between 9 and 12 years old, authorities said.

Weld has no prior criminal history in South Carolina, according to the State Law Enforcement Division. Court records filed Tuesday indicate he has not yet hired an attorney.

 
 

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