RICHLAND (SC)
WLTX [Columbia, SC]
October 27, 2026
By Arianna Clay
A Lower Richland pastor speaks out after an after-school care worker was arrested on allegations involving a child.
A man who worked in a Lower Richland church’s after-school care program is facing charges following allegations of misconduct involving a child.
Trinity Church Pastor Jay Kennedy said the church is heartbroken over the allegations and is focused on supporting the affected families.
“We are heartbroken at even the possibility of harm coming to a child,” Kennedy said. “We subject all of our staff to thorough criminal background checks and abuse prevention training. Our heart is to protect children, so we want justice to be served. We’ve been participating in the investigation since the beginning and helping our families process this for a while. We’ve also expanded our security camera system and are offering counseling to those affected. Please keep them in your prayers.”
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation into 34-year-old Zachary Turnage began after a child’s mother reported finding inappropriate text messages on the child’s phone.
Investigators also allege Turnage inappropriately touched the child at Trinity Church, where he worked in the after-school care program.
The sheriff’s department said the investigation remains ongoing and is encouraging parents whose children may have had contact with Turnage to speak with their children. Investigators are also urging any additional potential victims to come forward.
To better understand what parents should know, News19 spoke with Rebecca Lorick, executive director of Pathways to Healing, a nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Lorick shared some signs parents can watch for and ways to help children understand personal boundaries.
“If you see any difference in behavior, that’s definitely something to look into. And that’s why it’s so important to talk with children very early about consent,” Lorick said.
“Even at age three, we can teach consent,” Lorick said. “And even at age three, we can teach consent. You know, it doesn’t have to be about sex. It has to do with, this is my drink, don’t touch my drink or I don’t have to give you a hug if I don’t want to give you a hug. You know, it’s those conversations that really need to start very early with children.”
RELATED: Church staff member arrested, accused of inappropriately touching child in Richland County