Weeki Wachee pastor sexually battered teenage family member, deputies say

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A pastor at a Weeki Wachee church was accused of sexually battering a teenage family member, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said in a release Thursday.

The girl told deputies William Martinez, 55, gave her a THC gummy and a drink that tasted “funny” before touching her inappropriately, according to HCSO.

Martinez was then accused of sexually battering her. A member of the family reported the alleged sexual abuse to HCSO.

The girl tested positive for alcohol and THC, according to the sheriff’s office. Martinez, a pastor at Kingdom of Hope Ministries in Weeki Wachee, denied the allegations when questioned by deputies.

Martinez was charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior of a victim over 12 and less than 16, and two counts of sexual battery familial/custodial of a victim over 12 and less than 16. He is being held without bail at the Hernando County Jail.

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