Pastor Charged With Sexual Abuse

WESTGATE, Iowa -- The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that a church pastor has been charged with sexual abuse.

Authorities said a week long investigation ended with the arrest and charges of crimes against a child being filed against Timothy Parker, 40, of Westgate.

Parker is the pastor at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate.

Authorities said they launched their investigation after a 13-year-old talked about an incident.

Parker is charged with two counts of lascivious acts with a minor and one count of third-degree sexual abuse. The charges could result in 30 years in prison if Parker is convicted.

The Fayette County Computer Crimes Department is reviewing evidence collected during a search of Parker's home.

Parker was taken to the Fayette County Jail and is awaiting his initial court appearance.

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