Duncan Youth Pastor Arrested on Two Child Sexual Abuse Counts After Turning Himself In (Duncan, Oklahoma)

Andrew Benton, a 27-year-old former youth pastor, was arrested and booked on two counts of child sexual abuse after turning himself in to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) identified him as a suspect following a months-long inquiry that began earlier this year. Benton had previously held leadership roles at two Duncan congregations, including serving as youth president for the Assembly of Our Lord Jesus Christ and as a youth pastor for Grace Chapel Pentecostal Church.

The Duncan Police Department first requested OSBI’s assistance in investigating allegations of child sexual abuse on March 4, 2026. An arrest warrant for Benton was issued on August 6, 2026, and he ultimately surrendered to authorities. Official meeting minutes from the City of Duncan reveal that Benton served as an associate pastor at Grace Chapel Pentecostal Church and delivered the invocation at a city council meeting in July 2023, indicating his involvement in both civic and ministerial roles prior to the investigation.

Grace Chapel Pentecostal Church, located on Cherokee Road in Duncan, is an affiliated congregation of the Oklahoma District Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, led by Pastor Eddie Jackson. The denominational directory lists Benton’s church within a broader regional network, though it does not address the specific allegations against him. The OSBI collaborates with local law enforcement to address such matters.

In August, a Duncan Police Department training lieutenant was arrested and booked into the Stephens County Jail following a fatal hit-and-run incident, with independent state agencies leading the investigation. This underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address various crimes, including those involving minors.

The legal framework surrounding child sexual abuse in Oklahoma includes provisions that hold individuals responsible for a child’s welfare accountable. The elements of the offense are detailed in Oklahoma jury instructions, which emphasize the duty of care owed to minors. Benton’s arrest follows a pattern of cases involving Oklahoma religious figures accused of sexual misconduct with minors.

In November 2024, former Cleveland County pastor James McMillan was arrested on allegations of committing lewd acts with a minor under 16, causing significant concern within the local church community. These individual cases are part of a broader statewide and national enforcement effort. Multi-agency law enforcement initiatives, such as Operation Restore Justice in 2025, contributed to federal and state crackdowns, resulting in over 200 predator arrests and 115 child rescues.

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