A former youth leader at a church in Aumsville is accused of setting
up a video camera in a women’s restroom at the church, where he also
once worked as a janitor.
The Aumsville
Police Department on May 2 arrested
Christopher Fowler, 32, on 15 counts
of allegedly encouraging child sex abuse in the first degree and
invasion of personal privacy, said Lt. Rick Schmitz.
Since Fowler’s arrest, the police department has fielded numerous calls about the case from community members, Schmitz said.
“Today
we had a couple of people call in concerned because they had been down
there to use the church facilities and wanted to make sure they weren’t
in the videos. We haven’t heard anything more than that at this point,”
Schmitz said.
An
investigation was launched in December when a video camera was found in
a stall of the women’s bathroom at the Bethel Baptist Church in
Aumsville. Computers were seized belonging to Fowler, and investigators
had to sift through seven computers and a large amount of evidence
before charges were approved, Schmitz said. As a result of a forensic
investigation, information was seized and sent to Marion County Grand
Jury, which resulted in charges.
Fowler was employed as both a youth leader and janitor at Bethel Baptist Church last December when the incident was reported.
Up until the time the investigation was launched, Fowler had lived in Aumsville, Schmitz said. He has since moved to Salem.
Fowler grew up in the church and was a “jack of all trades” for the congregation, Schmitz said.
“Chris
has done a lot of things in the church. He was involved in the Awana
Youth Ministries group, was a junior high group leader, drove buses to
outings and was a church photographer,” Schmitz said.
There was shock and dismay among the congregation after Fowler’s arrest, Schmitz said.
Church leaders would not confirm the dates of Fowler’s employment.
“We
care deeply about everyone affected, and desire to show Christian love
for everyone involved,” Bethel Baptist leaders said in a statement. “We
are thankful for our Aumsville Police Department and the professional
way they have handled this situation. We have full confidence in the
legal system to assure that justice is accomplished. We are praying and
trusting that God will bring healing.”
Fowler was taken to the Marion County jail without bail, pending his arraignment.