North Texas church youth director charged with indecent contact, possession of child porn
The youth director of a North Texas church has been arrested on charges of possession of child pornography and indecency with a child by contact, Denton police said Wednesday.
Investigators arrested 63-year-old Craig Stone, who was the youth director at a church in the 1500 block of Willowwood Street in Denton, according to a police news release. Police did not name the church.
Both charges are felonies and involve teenage victims, police said.
A parent and their child reported on Aug. 28 that Stone had engaged in “inappropriate behavior” with teens, according to the release. In interviews throughout September, more teens told detectives that there might be sexual images of children on Stone’s computer. A male teenager also reported being touched inappropriately by Stone.
Detectives served a search warrant at the church and Stone’s home on Tuesday.
Police said that Stone agreed to speak with detectives and that he admitted to touching one victim. He also admitted to possessing naked images of another male victim, according to the release.
Stone was booked into the City of Denton Jail on Tuesday night with bond set at $20,000. It’s unclear whether he has obtained an attorney.
The investigation is ongoing. Police asked for anyone with information about Stone, including any unreported incidents, to call Detective Marqui Curtis at 940-349-7727.
The following resources are available for anyone affected by sexual abuse, authorities said:
The Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas, (972-317-2818), empowers child abuse victims and their families through education, healing and justice.
Denton County Friends of the Family provides compassionate, comprehensive services including a 24-hour crisis line available via phone or text at 940-382-7273.
