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Police Proceed With Caution On Church Abuse Accusation

BILLY TOWNSEND / The Tampa Tribune

The Lakeland Police Department is conducting an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of middle school to high school aged students who attend The First Baptist Church at the Mall.

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By BILLY TOWNSEND, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

LAKELAND - The investigation is continuing into an accusation of sexual abuse by a volunteer at Lakeland's First Baptist Church at the Mall.

No arrests have been made.

No conclusions about the credibility of the accusations should be read into that, Lakeland police Sgt. Terri Smith said.

Rather, she said, Lakeland detectives have many witnesses and church members to interview before deciding how to proceed, Smith said.

Police and church officials on Sunday announced to the public and First Baptist congregation an investigation of alleged sexual abuse involving middle school and high school students who have attended the church.

The investigation started about 10 days ago, police said.

It focuses on a volunteer with the church's student ministry.

A possible victim, who is now an adult, has spoken with police, Lakeland police spokesman Jack Gillen said.

Gillen refused to provide further details about the investigation.

The church is cooperating fully with police, he said.

The volunteer has been issued a criminal trespass warning, according to church officials.

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