News Releases

Youth Minister Charged With Sexual Offenses Involving a Minor

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Detectives with the Special Victims Investigations Division have been investigating allegations of sexual abuse of a teenage parishioner of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (located at 917 Montrose Road in Rockville) by the church's youth minister.  Today, the youth minister, identified as Brian Patrick Werth, age 32, of the 19900 block of Drexel Hill Circle in Montgomery Village, was arrested by investigators on the strength of a warrant.  He has been charged with one count of fourth-degree sexual offense, one count of sexual abuse of a minor, and second degree assault.

In late August of this year, detectives were notified by Child Protective Services (CPS) that Werth had inappropriate sexual contact with a 16-year-old female parishioner on or about May 20 during a youth event at the church.  Investigators interviewed the victim, her parents, and gathered other evidence during the last two weeks.  They also learned that Werth had been texting the victim since the summer of 2014, and that the texts Werth sent to the victim were graphic and sexual in nature.

Werth was arrested this morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. at his residence.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.   Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding inappropriate contact involving Brian Patrick Werth to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240.773.5400.

PRS

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Release ID: 16-230
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: uncategorized