Police investigate abuse allegations at Ormond Beach church, private school; additional victims possible

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Police in Ormond Beach said they are investigating allegations of abuse at a church and private school that could date as far back as 25 years.

According to a news release, the Ormond Beach Police Department opened an investigation of “abuse allegations” regarding Riverbend Academy and Riverbend Community Church located at 2080 W. Granada Blvd.

Detectives said they are looking to speak with anyone who may have information about the allegations or believes they may have been a victim of abuse there.

[VIDEO BELOW: Abuse investigation underway at church]

According to the release, the allegations under review date as far back as the early 2000s, but investigators are working to determine if there are any current victims.

“Please remember this is an active and ongoing investigation,” Police Chief Jesse Godfrey said in the release. “We take these allegations very seriously and are committed to supporting potential victims and protecting this community, all while conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.”

According to the church’s website, “Riverbend Academy, the church’s K-12 school, provides a classical, Christian alternative in education.”

Riverbend Community Church released a statement that can be read below:

“Recently allegations of abuses taking place within the ministry of Riverbend Community Church have been brought to our attention as the current elders. We were not aware of these things and are brokenhearted to learn about egregious sin in our church’s past. We as elders, and we as a church, are deeply saddened and grieve for all who have been abused in any way. We condemn abuse, and we stand against any actions to cover up or conceal sin. We desire to humbly listen to anyone who would like to speak with us. We desire to know the truth and set things right. We continue to pray for those who have suffered abuse. We are committed to keeping all in our ministry safe from abuse. We believe that the church above all should be a people who clearly demonstrate Christlikeness in every way. We acknowledge that the things we are learning do not reflect Christ. We condemn them with deep conviction. These things are all very new to us, and we are humbly committed to truth, safety, transparency, and justice as we work through this.

Sincerely, Elders of Riverbend Community Church"

Riverbend Community Church

Police ask that anyone with more information is asked to contact Detective M. Mele at Marianne.Mele@ormondbeach.org