Pastor Facing Sex Charge Involving Child

By Tony Santaella
WLTX
July 14, 2015

http://www.wltx.com/story/news/crime/2015/07/14/pastor-facing-sex-charge-involving-child/30159247/

Walter Ballenger III

Columbia police are accusing a Columbia pastor of inappropriately touching a girl.

Walter C. Ballenger III, 59, is charged with third degree criminal sexual conduct. Officers say Ballenger is a pastor at Grace United Methodist Church on Harbison Boulevard.

According to investigators, Ballenger touched the girl in a "sexual manner." Officers were notified about the incident on June 27, and began their investigation. Ballenger was arrested on July 13.

Police say additional charges are pending against him.