Aztec Bible Baptist Church Youth pastor arrested for alleged rape of 14-year-old girl

[Ian David]

Youth pastor arrested for alleged rape
— By Cory Frolik — The Daily Times
Article Launched: 07/20/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT

AZTEC — A part-time youth pastor from Aztec Bible Baptist Church was arrested Thursday on charges that he had sex with a 14-year-old girl from his congregation.

Wendel Nix, 29, of Aztec, was taken into police custody at the San Juan County Detention Center on Thursday after San Juan Sheriff's Office deputies said they gathered convincing evidence that a crime was committed and obtained an arrest warrant, Detective Lt. Tyler Truby said.

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The victim alleged that she has attended the church for the past year, and over time, she and Nix grew close. Last month, Nix began sending her text messages saying how good he thought she looked and how well her clothing fit her, states the affidavit for an arrest warrant. Then he began calling her, hoping to get her away from her friends so that he could familiarize himself with what he called the "real her," the affidavit states.

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"It's always very disheartening when the suspect is somebody that has been placed in a position of authority and mentorship and (is supposed to) give children guidance," he said.

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