Miami-Dade County, FL – A 50-year-old pastor has been arrested in connection with allegations of lewd and lascivious conduct involving a minor at a Miami-Dade church, authorities said Tuesday.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, the arrest stems from an incident reported February 9 at approximately 8:34 p.m. at Theophile Church, located at 15201 NW 7 Ave.
Investigators allege the suspect, identified as Elco Vallier of Loxahatchee, fondled the victim’s buttocks, rubbed her thigh and attempted to kiss her on several occasions while on church grounds. Detectives also said the victim’s mother reported inappropriate text messages allegedly sent by the suspect to her daughter.
Through investigative efforts, SVU detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Vallier. With assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, he was taken into custody on the Miami-Dade warrant.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at (305) 715-3300. Authorities are also urging parents to call investigators if their children may have had contact with the suspect.
The case may draw concern among local church families and youth groups due to the setting of the alleged incidents.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
