Ohio church leader arrested amid sexual abuse allegations involving child
Authorities have not released specific details about the alleged abuse
Christopher Walter, a pastor in Ohio, has been arrested and charged with sexual battery and grooming in connection with allegations involving a minor, according to the Deshler Police Department.
The 52-year-old is accused of sexually abusing a child, though authorities have not publicly released details regarding the nature of the alleged incidents.
Walter serves as the lead pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Deshler, according to local media reports, including WLIO, WTVG, and WTOL.
His LinkedIn profile also indicates he previously worked as an assistant pastor in Bowling Green, Ohio, before joining the church in 2021.
In addition to his religious role, Walter is also employed by a local school district. Officials with Patrick Henry Local Schools confirmed they were made aware of his arrest and said he has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
“The employee has been suspended without pay. Because this is a personnel and legal matter, the district will have no further comment,” the district said in a statement.
Court records indicate Walter has been ordered by a judge to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18.
It remains unclear whether he has entered a plea, and he is not currently listed in Henry County jail records.
The investigation remains ongoing.