Former Kingston youth minister accused of molesting teen girls

By Bob Kalinowski

Staff Writer
The Citizens Voice

Wilkes-Barre, PA
June 5, 2008

KINGSTON — A former youth minister at a Kingston church is accused of molesting at least two teenage girls who belonged to his congregation.

Pastor Brian A. Neiswender repeatedly fondled the girls while playing hide and seek in the dark and teaching one-on-one music lessons, according to arrest papers.

The 26-year-old Baptist minister surrendered to authorities Wednesday to face charges of indecent assault and corruption of minors in connection with the alleged sex crimes at Christ Community Church, 100 W. Dorrance St.

The two girls, now 17 and 18 years old, came forward in February. They said the abuse dates back to August 2003 and lasted for years.

Church leaders were advised of Neiswender’s alleged improper conduct at least two times, according to arrest papers filed with Magisterial District Judge Paul Roberts in Kingston.

The first time, a rule was briefly implemented that his lessons would no longer be one-on-one, the girls said. The second time, Neiswender apologized and “church members said they would take care of the situation,” but it’s unclear if any action was taken. A phone call placed to the church was not returned Wednesday.

Kingston police Capt. John Jorda said there is another local victim whom police are trying to locate and there might be one more.

Neiswender currently is the pastor of student ministries at Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland, Fla. Local authorities have advised Florida investigators about Neiswender’s arrest and they are “looking into matters” there, Jorda said.

Neiswender’s profile on the Web site for his Florida church portrays a loving husband and father dedicated to helping young people connect with God.

His profile says he is a graduate of Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit and mentions he served at the church in Kingston. Four pictures on the site are of him with his wife and young daughter.

One of the alleged victims said she didn’t want to come forward at the time because she didn’t want to get Neiswender in trouble. The most recent contact documented in arrest papers is when Neiswender sent two “unusual” picture messages to one of the girls in June 2007, police said.

Just days after the victims came forward, police say they wiretapped a phone call between Neiswender and one of the girls. He “apologized several times for what (he) had done” to her, according to arrest papers.

Neiswender has been cooperating since contacted by police, Jorda said.

His attorney, Jair Novajosky, noted Wednesday his client came to Luzerne County to answer to the charges within 48 hours of being notified about them. He assured his client would show up for future court dates.

Neiswender was released on $50,000 unsecured bail, meaning he didn’t have to post any money but would be responsible for that amount if he failed to show up for court.

Representatives from his Florida church did not return phone calls or e-mails Wednesday.

bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2055

http://www.citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19748307&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=455154&rfi=6