Teacher charged in sexual assault

By Savannah Morning News

November 24, 2009

Mark Kit Lucas

Police in Pooler have arrested a local teacher and youth minister on allegations he molested a 13-year-old boy six years ago.

Mark Kit Lucas, 47, was booked Friday into the Chatham County jail on a felony charge of aggravated sexual battery in an assault reported to police earlier this month.

Lucas stands accused of engaging in a sexual act with the youth at Lucas' Pooler residence, according to a police report.

In recent months, the boy, now 19, revealed details of the assault to friends and a relative, police documents show.

Authorities were subsequently informed.

"After a preliminary investigation, we determined that there was enough to warrant an arrest, and we anticipate further charges in the immediate future," Pooler police Maj. Mark Revenew said, declining to elaborate. "It would be inappropriate to comment because it is an active investigation."

Lucas teaches at Savannah High School, according to police. A MySpace page in Lucas' name likewise lists Savannah High as his workplace.

Karla Redditte, spokeswoman for Savannah-Chatham public schools, would only confirm that Lucas works for school system.

"He is an employee, and he's been employed about a year and a half," Redditte said.

At Woodlawn Baptist Church in Garden City, Lucas was recognized in 2004 for going beyond his duties as youth and education director, according to Savannah Morning News archives.

The MySpace page indicates Lucas was an organist and youth minister at the church.

On the Woodlawn Baptist Church Web site, Lucas is listed as having been recognized in 2006 for 25 years of service as an organist. The church's Web site lists him becoming a part-time youth minister in 1997.

Two phone calls to the Rev. Gary Johnson of Woodlawn Baptist were not returned Monday.

Lucas remained held without bond Monday at the county jail, said Lt. Tommy Tillman, spokesman for the Chatham County Sheriff's Department.

Compiled by Michael Atkins

MAKE THE CALL
Pooler police ask anyone with information regarding the sexual assault investigation call detectives at 912-748-7333.

http://savannahnow.com/news/2009-11-24/teacher-charged-sexual-assault

SNAP Note: Woodlawn Baptist Church in Garden City, Georgia, is shown as being affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.