Man charged in sex assault of girls from church

WEST OAK LANE - December 6, 2011

Courtney Wilson, 56, is in custody and charged with multiple counts of rape and related crimes. Police say the incidents happened between 1997 and 2005.

Wilson was is a deacon at the Remnant Church of God Seventh Day in the 7700 block of Ogontz Avenue in West Oak Lane, investigators said.

Police say Wilson would take children to school and church-related events. Now, years later, there are horrific revelations.

Police say five young women, who are now in their 20s, came forward on Sunday with complaints from days when they were minors.

"I believe the youngest was about 10 years old," said Capt. John Darby of the Philadelphia Police.

They accuse Wilson, a fellow church member, of repeatedly assaulting them. The assaults occurred in their homes, in his homes, in a vehicle and in his hotel for a long period of time, police said.

"In fact one is a family member of Wilson's," Capt. Darby said. "Over a long period of time, over years, these young girls were assaulted repeatedly by this male."

Police say Wilson had the trust of church leaders and parents, and he has recently been working at Carson Valley Children's Aid, a juvenile facility in Flourtown.

The CEO of that facility was said to be in a meeting all day and was not available for comment.

Police want to know if there are any more victims out there. Anyone with information can call Special Victims at 215-685-3252 or 215-685-3253.

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