NEW PORT RICHEY (FL)
WFLA [Tampa FL]
April 6, 2026
By Nathaniel Rodriguez
A Pasco County pastor, who once served as a local deputy, has been arrested on multiple allegations of molestation, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office told 8 On Your Side that they had investigated reports of 56-year-old Angelo Musicaro, pastor of Worship-Life Church in New Port Richey, “being inappropriate” with four children on multiple occasions between 2021 and 2026.
Unsealed criminal complaints revealed some details of the allegations.
In one case, a child victim told an investigator that she frequently visited Musicaro’s house between 2021 and 2025. The alleged victim said he touched her inappropriately underneath her clothing on five separate incidents, according to a criminal complaint.
“Subsequent to your affiant’s investigation, a forensic interview was conducted with the juvenile victim,” the affidavit said. “The forensic specialist conducting the aforementioned interview confirmed positive findings of sexual abuse for this victim and several other juvenile victims who were also victimized by the defendant.”
In another criminal complaint affidavit, a victim said she was instructed by Musicaro to undress and commit a lewd act with the defendant in 2021. The document states that another child was present and saw this happen.
According to the affidavit, there were three other instances in 2022, 2023, and 2024 where the victim alleged that Musicaro inappropriately touched her.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said Musicaro previously worked as a PSO deputy from Oct. 10, 1997, to Oct. 29, 2010. During this time, he worked as a school resource officer from July 1, 2002, to Feb. 27, 2006, and later on, he worked as a civilian employee for the sheriff’s office.
“The victims in this case are safe and receiving the necessary resources,” the sheriff’s office said.
While the sheriff’s office said the incidents are believed to be isolated, they did ask anyone who may be or know a victim to call the PSO Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or report tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips.
8 On Your Side has made contact with Worship-Life Church, and leadership believes the allegations are untrue.
“I know this man. I’ve been with him for years. I’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and there’s no way I believe this in any way,” said JayCee Gilbert, a pastor at the church.
“Pastor Angelo has a huge heart. We’ve gone on mission trips together. He is authentic. He is someone this community has rallied behind in the eyes of the Lord,” said Stephen Salanitri, a volunteer and pastor at the church.
Musicaro has been charged with four felony charges relating to child molestation. He is in custody, and has been given a no contact order for all the alleged victims.