Rialto Pastor Accused of Sexually Abusing 2 Girls

KABC
August 17, 2012

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/inland_empire&id=8777399

Anthony Lavon Smith is shown giving a sermon in this still image from a YouTube.com clip. (YouTube.com)

A San Bernardino County pastor was arrested, accused of sexually abusing two young girls.

Anthony Lavon Smith, who was arrested Tuesday, lives in Rialto but he works as a pastor at the Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Compton.

The 47-year-old is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl that's been ongoing for the past six years.

During the investigation, a second female victim, who is now 29 years old, also came forward claiming she had been sexually abused by Smith when she was 15 years old.

Smith was booked into the San Bernardino County Jail on multiple child sexual abuse charges.

Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims. If you have any information related to this case, you're urged to contact Rialto police at (909) 820-2578.