Buddhist Monk Sexually Assaulted 15-Year-Old Boy: Police

NASHVILLE, TN -- A monk at a Nashville Buddhist temple sexually assaulted a teenage boy and showed him pornograpy, Metro Police say.

Police arrested Sayasith Sitthipanyo, 57, Thursday, charging him with seven counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and eight counts of displaying sex acts to a minor.

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Investigators say Sitthipanyo, who lived at the Lao Xaoput Buddhist Temple on Old Hickory Boulevard, had sexual contact with and showed pornography to a 15-year-old numerous times between February and May. He had allegedly hired the teenager to do work around the temple in 2017.

Youth Services Detectives ask anyone with infromation on any other potential victims to call 615-862-7417.

Photo via Metro Nashville Police