Michael Hess, a 49-year-old Bible class instructor from Quarryville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has been charged with sexually abusing a former student. The alleged victim, a female student, was around seven years old at the time of the abuse, which reportedly occurred between 30 to 36 times. The abuse allegedly took place while Hess was an instructor for the Awana Bible study class at the New Providence Church of God in Providence Township.
According to the charges from State Police at Lancaster, Hess would intentionally seat the child in the corner of a church pew in a sanctuary during class and sit next to her to conceal her. The victim alleged that Hess had her sit on his lap and put his hand in her pants. In an interview with State Police, Hess admitted to sexually assaulting her about two times. However, when it was brought up that the victim claimed he did it at least 30 times, Hess said it was “highly possible” the victim was right.
ABC27 reports that Hess faces multiple felony charges of aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor – sexual offenses, aggravated indecent assault, and corruption of minors. He also faces misdemeanor charges of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and indecent assault without the consent of another person.
Hess is currently out on unsecured bail set at $75,000 and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 7.