Youth Pastor Arrested on Felony Charges for Alleged Sexual Relationship with Minor: Church Leaders Respond

In a recent development, a local youth pastor has been arrested on felony charges for allegedly engaging in an unlawful sexual relationship with a minor. Caleb Ray, 27, was apprehended by the Ocala Police Department and subsequently released after posting a $150,000 bond. The allegations state that the relationship began years after Ray and the minor first met at church, with the victim reportedly being 9 years old at the time of their initial encounter.

According to an arrest report, the alleged victim disclosed to law enforcement that Ray groomed them over a six-year period. The report details that Ray initiated contact via Snapchat, where he sent explicit photographs to the minor. This online communication reportedly escalated to sexual contact at Ray’s residence in Gainesville when the minor was 13 years old. The alleged sexual contact is said to have continued until 2025, when the minor reached the age of 17.

Connection Church, where the initial meeting between Ray and the minor is said to have occurred, has distanced itself from the situation. Lead Pastor Jeff Ray clarified that Caleb Ray was never an ordained minister and was not a paid employee of the church. Despite this, social media profiles have shown connections between the two, raising questions about their relationship.

The investigation revealed that Caleb Ray maintained three residences in Ocala during the relevant period. When contacted, an unidentified individual at one of these residences claimed the property belonged to Caleb Ray’s parents. The Ocala Police Department is urging anyone with information about inappropriate interactions with Caleb Ray to come forward and contact Detective Bessette.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability within church communities, reflecting the biblical call to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8-9). As the legal process unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the need for justice and care for victims, aligning with the principles of mercy and neighbor-love.

Source: Read the original report