Youth leader charged with sex assault

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A youth leader from Suffolk's Gates of Heaven Church was charged with sexual assault as a juvenile and police are keeping his identity under wraps.

The man is now 18 and is facing allegations of sodomy and aggravated sexual assault. He was arrested Dec. 14. Police say the abuse occurred while he was a juvenile.

WAVY.com visited the man's neighborhood, where residents openly spoke of his personality but wanted to keep their identities hidden.

"It really is shocking," the neighbor said. "I would never suspect [that]. I've never seen that in his character. That's why it was shocking to me."

Police said one victim approached them about the abuse. As the investigation continued, more victims were identified.

"I will keep them in prayer and just ask for God's divine favor over all of them right now," the neighbor said.

The woman said the suspect was mischievous growing up, but not a criminal.

"Just like the most children growing up get into a little trouble here and there, but not trouble with the law or anything," she said.