COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Hilliard Division of Police is investigating reports of sexual assault involving children at an area church that happened several years ago.
Police say the incidents happened at the Open Gate Church of God, located at 4410 Avery Road, from 2012 to 2014.
Multiple female victims reported incidents involving a male youth member of the church who assisted in the children’s and teen rooms.
Police said the victims were under the age of 10 at the time of the alleged sexual assaults.
“It is never too late to come forward with information about a crime,” said Chief of Police Michael Woods. “We’re asking parents and responsible adults to facilitate open and honest conversations with their children about any inappropriate behavior they may have witnessed or experienced.”
The church is now under new leadership and the investigation does not involve any current staff, police said. There are no charges filed at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tom Morris at 614-334-2473 or tmorris@hilliardohio.gov.