Local

Longtime member accused of molesting children at Rockledge church

ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — Rockledge police said a longtime church member molested two children at the Faith Life Outreach Christian Kathedral on Dixie Lane.

Anthony Berch, 20, who has attended Faith Life Outreach since childhood, is now accused of abusing two children there.

Bishop Anthony Hatcher told Channel 9 the church is cooperating with police and trying to move toward healing.

"We're trying to support them every way that we can," said Hatcher. "I'm a counselor myself. I'm doing everything I can to set up a support system."

A 12-year-old said Berch approached him in February in the church sound room and tried to force him to perform a sex act. When the boy refused, he said Berch threatened him with a screwdriver.

The child said he was later shown a bullet and told if he snitched, Berch would kill him.

A 9-year-old girl also said she was groped during a church dance a few days ago.

"We're very confident there will be other victims who come forward," said Detective Bob Weigel of the Rockledge Police Department.

Rockledge police told Channel 9 they're still trying to identify other possible victims.

"The church reaches to every person, whether the person has been abused or is an abuser or is a sinner or a saint," said Hatcher. "So, a church is a hospital. It's for the sick. It's for the well."