MARYLAND
WUSA
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (WUSA9) — A former Montgomery County megachurch leader was convicted Thursday of sexually abusing a young boy from his congregation during the 1980s.
Nathaniel “Nate” Morales, 56, of Las Vegas, Nev., was found guilty on three counts of sexual abuse of a minor and two more counts of sexual offense in the second degree, officials said. Morales was accused of abusing three boys from 1983-1991, preying on the young members of the Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg at group sleepovers and in their homes.
The youngest victim was 11, and the abuse continued until he turned 18, officials said. The abuse was not reported until 2009, when a detective was informed, despite awareness of the abuse among the church leaders.
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