Sarasota Pastor Accused Of Molesting 6-Year-Old Niece

SARASOTA, FL — A 43-year-old pastor at a Sarasota church was arrested Friday night and accused of molesting his 6-year-old niece.

Bicente Velasquez Morales was charged with sexual battery of a victim under 12, according to Captain Lori Jaress of the Sarasota Police Department.

Velasquez Morales was identified as the pastor of the House of Restoration Ministry. The church is located at 2909 Pershing Avenue.

Arrest documents described two incidents that occurred at the pastor's home in the 2900 block of Pershing Avenue. In one incident, the pastor stopped fondling the child because it was time to get ready for church, according to the documents.

Jaress said Velasquez Morales was taken into custody around 7:10 p.m. Friday. He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail.

Arrest documents said that the child's mother contacted Manatee Children's Services on Thursday to report the incidents. The organization contacted Sarasota police on Friday.

To report a tip, call Detective Maria Llovio at 941-364-7336 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or visit www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.