A local pastor has been arrested after someone reported a past sexual assault of a minor in Moreno Valley, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday, Feb. 20.
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On Jan. 30, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the report of a sexual assault reported to have happened in the 23000 block of Hemlock Avenue in Moreno Valley and investigators identified the suspect as David Helbling, a 78-year-old resident of Moreno Valley, who was a local pastor, a sheriff’s statement said.
On Feb. 14, deputies arrested Helbling at a location in the 23000 block of Hemlock Avenue. Evidence related to the reported crime was collected there during service of a search warrant, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Helbling was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of kidnapping, kidnapping to commit rape and multiple counts of sexual assault of a child.
Deputies said there may be additional victims and the investigation is ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Department did not immediately disclose if Helbling had any type of prior relationship with the victim.
A social media post attributed to Helbling said he’s held multiple positions at Assemblies of God USA. Videos posted online showed him preaching and participating in services at the Blessing Center First Assembly of God, on Hemlock Avenue.
Anyone with additional information can contact Investigator McCracken at 951-486-6710.
