According to a report in the Muncie Star Press, A youth pastor and substitute teacher in northern Henry County has been charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. Bryan J. Crabtree, 35, from Sulphur Springs, faces serious legal repercussions following allegations of inappropriate behavior with a juvenile.
Crabtree, who served as a youth pastor at Sulphur Springs Christian Church and also coached cross country and track for Shenandoah Schools, was charged on Wednesday in Henry Circuit Court 1. The charges include sexual misconduct with a minor, classified as a Level 4 felony with a potential 12-year prison sentence, and three counts of child solicitation, a Level 5 felony carrying a maximum sentence of six years each.
Authorities detained Crabtree on June 12 after deputies from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of sexual allegations brought to light by the head pastor at Sulphur Springs Christian Church. On the same day, church elders terminated Crabtree’s position as youth pastor.
During an interview with law enforcement, Crabtree initially claimed that his relationship with the minor began when she was 18 years old. However, he later admitted that the sexual activities started when the girl was 14 or 15 years old. The court documents indicate that the incidents occurred between October 2020 and January 2022.
The victim, who has since graduated from high school, disclosed to investigators that the inappropriate encounters with Crabtree began when she was a 14-year-old freshman. According to the affidavit, Crabtree sent her sexually explicit pictures and videos. Crabtree, who had also substituted in some of her classes and coached her at school, acknowledged to deputies that he “knew it was wrong but was attracted to her and didn’t stop it.”
The affidavit further reveals that most of the misconduct took place in Crabtree’s office at the church. The charges of solicitation state that he asked the juvenile to engage in inappropriate touching.
Following his arrest, Crabtree was released from the Henry County Jail after posting a $32,500 surety bond and a $3,700 cash bond. His initial hearing in Circuit Court 2 is scheduled for Monday.
Court records show that this is the first time Crabtree has faced such charges. The case has shocked the local community, particularly those connected to the church and school.
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