Daughter Defends Pastor Accused of Sex Abuse

WESH
May 23, 2012

http://www.wesh.com/r/31101724/detail.html

[with video]

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- A pastor is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a 16-year-old boy, and his daughter has taken to his defense.

Officials said they received a complaint from someone who said Angel Perez, the 45-year-old pastor at Templo Pentecostal Puerto De Salvation, molested a 16-year-old boy.

Now, Kissimmee Police Department officers say they're trying to figure out whether other minors were victimized.

The pastor's daughter, though, said she believes the allegations are completely fabricated.

"I don't believe it's true. I got molested when I was younger, I know how it feels," Hazel Perez said. "When you get molested you don't want to be around that person for nothing."

Authorities said the boy was afraid to tell his story because the his mother was having a romantic relationship with Perez. The teen is also a member of Perez's congregation.

Detectives said that the victim spent the night at Perez's home and was inappropriately touched while he slept. The alleged molestation happened on three occasions.

The crimes allegedly happened in September and October 2011, according to officers. He was arrested on May 10 and since bonded out of jail.

Detectives said anyone who may have also been victimized by Perez or has knowledge of other victims is asked to contact Kissimmee Police at 407-846-3333 or by email at seeitsayit@kissimmee.org.