OCALA, Fla. – Ocala Police say 27-year-old Caleb Ray is accused of grooming a child for years after first meeting the victim at church.
Detectives say the victim, now a teenager, reported first meeting Ray when the child was nine years old. According to the arrest report, investigators believe Ray maintained contact for years using Snapchat.
Police say the report alleges that when the victim turned 12, Ray began sending inappropriate pictures. Investigators say the relationship later became sexual when the child was 13.
Ray was connected to Connection Church in Ocala, where investigators say he served as a youth leader. A pastor who answered the door at the church’s listed address declined an on-camera interview, but told News 6 off camera that Ray was only a student volunteer, not a leader, and said Ray was fired about six weeks ago after the allegations became public.
The arrest report also states Ray’s wife was asleep upstairs during sexual encounters at their home.
Ray is charged with lewd and lascivious battery and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Police say he has bonded out of the Marion County Jail and is due back in court Oct. 20.
Detectives believe there may be more victims, and they are urging parents to talk with their children if they have had any contact with Ray.
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