MANCHESTER, N.H. (WHDH) - A former pastor at a Manchester, New Hampshire church has been arrested for an alleged assault involving a minor.
Stephen Jesmer, of Manchester, turned himself in to police on Monday night. According to police, the 37-year-old was head pastor at The Dialogue Church on Pine Street until two months ago.
Manchester Police said they have evidence Jesmer had sex with a 13-year-old girl in his church office on June 6. Police said there had been prior sexual contact at the girl’s house and he allegedly asked the girl to keep quiet.
Jesmer was charged with three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, three counts felonious sexual assault and one count witness tampering.
A police report said Jesmer confided to another pastor he felt bad and had “crossed the line.” He was immediately terminated for “moral failure.”
Neighbors said Jesmer is married and has two young daughters.
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