OWEGO (NY)
WBNG [Binghamton, New York]
February 24, 2026
By Erin Lawlor
A former pastor is being accused by numerous victims of inappropriate conduct while in a leadership position at the church in Owego, according to a statement from the church on Friday.
According to a statement from the Owego Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Jarrod Geistdorfer was removed from his position on Feb. 1.
One alleged victim, who wished to remain anonymous due to the ongoing investigation, said she was contacted in November by the church’s director for a statement regarding Geistdorfer’s alleged misconduct.
“In November, the director of Nazarene reached out to me, and she said, ‘Someone gave me your name and said they heard something had happened to you. Do you mind giving me a statement? You would be number 12,’” the alleged victim said.
She described a series of encounters with Geistdorfer that she said escalated over time.
“The first or second time was really weird. I told people I feel like he was staring at me and talking to me the whole time,” She said. “But I mean probably not, right?”
She said the contact later became physical.
“He was rubbing my thigh while he was sitting down, and I was standing up. It just shocked me, and I just left,” she said.
The woman also described a text exchange with Geistdorfer in which she said he made an inappropriate comment about her payment after asking her to clean the church using her cleaning service.
“He said, ‘How would you like to be paid? Cash, Venmo, tattoos, etc.’ I said either way works,” She said. “And he said, ‘Oh, so completely compliant. If I would have known that I wouldn’t have stopped at those options lol!!’”
The alleged victim told 12 News that she had gone to the New York State Police to file charges against Geistdorfer and request an order of protection.
According to documents provided by the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office, a complaint was made by a mandatory reporter to the New York State Police on August 15, 2024, and was then referred to the sheriff’s office. The document stated a guardian was concerned about a minor’s relationship with Geistdorfer. The guardian was shown pictures and messages between the pastor and the child on Snapchat.
On the social media app, Geistdorfer allegedly tried to get the minor to move in with him after they attended a church camp together, saying he was “clearing a space” and “preparing a room” for her. The guardian also reported affectionate sign-offs, including “Smooches, sweet dreams,” various selfies from Geistdorfer, including one in bed, one with his tongue out, and one captioned “You were super cute today, thanks for my note.”
When the child was interviewed, she told officers there was no sexual relationship, no inappropriate touching, and no explicit photos were exchanged. The district attorney advised no criminal charges, and later agreed there was no probable cause that a crime was committed based on available facts. The case was closed with a note stating it could be reopened if more victims or new information came forward.
WBNG received multiple messages stating Geistdorfer is now a preacher at Redeemed Community Church in Candor. An email sent from 12 News to that church for comment bounced back.
Geistdorfer responded to a request for comment from 12 News on Tuesday morning with, “No comment and God bless.”
Owego Church of the Nazarene did not respond to a request for comment.
Please see the original article for the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office Complaint Documents.