Ocala officers charge youth pastor accused of grooming underage teen

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Officers arrested a youth pastor accused of grooming an underage teen in Ocala.

Caleb Fischer Ray, 27, a youth pastor for Connection Church in Ocala, was accused of committing sexual acts with a child between the ages of 13 and 17.

According to the arrest report, Ray first met the then-9-year-old victim at the church they attended together. The victim said Ray groomed them over the course of six years.

The victim detailed years of sexual contact between themselves and Ray. The victim reported the incidents to law enforcement last month.

Detectives found phone records showing numerous calls between Ray and the victim, as well as texts where the two exchange “I love you” messages.

Ray was booked into the Marion County Jail on Thursday on the charge of lewd and lascivious battery and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He was released after posting a $150,000 bond.

Officers ask anyone who has had inappropriate interactions with Caleb Ray to contact Detective Bessette at 352-369-7000.

Connection Church officials provided TV20 with the following statement:

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