By Brenda Waters
KDKA
March 16, 2006
http://kdka.com/local/local_story_075204134.html
(KDKA) Pittsburgh - A local pastor is being held in the Allegheny County Jail tonight on charges that he sexually abused a teenage boy during counseling sessions over a three-year span.
Duane Youngblood of the Higher Call World Outreach Church in Homestead turned himself in to police headquarters this morning.
According to the police report, the victim's mother sent the teenager to Youngblood for counseling after reading in her son's journal that he had been sexually assaulted by an older cousin.
 |
| Duane Youngblood turned himself into authorities this morning KDKA |
 |
| Youngblood and his wife are pictured on a billboard outside the World Outreach Church in Homestead KDKA |
"We're alleging that in the fall of 2002, the victim -- who was a 15-year-old male at the time – had gone to Mr. Youngblood for some counseling sessions," explains Allegheny County Police Lt. Bob Downey.
"During the course of these counseling sessions," Lt. Downey adds, "we're alleging that Mr. Youngblood sexually abused the victim."
The assault allegedly happened in the church office, and according to the Homestead police, it continued for three years – though the teenager only recently came forward with the claims.
John Brock, who lives down the street from the church, says he can't believe the charges. "I think everyone deserves their day in court. We are all innocent until proven guilty. So my reaction is, if he is convicted of this, I'm sad to hear it – and I'm quite shocked and surprised."
Youngblood is now facing charges including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, corruption of minors and sexual assault.
He's being held in the Allegheny County Jail on $100,000 straight bond.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.