Pastor, Christian festival founder abused minors for 16 years, authorities say

By Amanda Hoover
nj.com
December 07, 2017

http://www.nj.com/burlington/index.ssf/2017/12/church_pastor_abused_minors_for_16_years_authoriti.html

Harry L. Thomas, a pastor at Come Alive Church in Medford, has been charged with sexually assaulting minors.

A church pastor is accused of sexually assaulting four minors over a 16-year period.

Harry L. Thomas, 74, of Medford Township, faces charges of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. 

The alleged assaults came to an end two years ago. Thomas is currently the pastor of Come Alive Church in Medford. He is also a co-founder of the Creation Festival, said to be the nation's largest Christian rock festival, first held in Pennsylvania in 1979.

Authorities said the assaults took place between 1999 and 2015 in Medford. 

Thomas was arrested Wednesday, and remains in a medical facility for treatment, where a county department of corrections officer is guarding him. A first appearance in court will be scheduled in the near future. 

Phone calls to Come Alive Church went unanswered Thursday morning. An email seeking comment was not immediately returned.