Church Says Men Accused Of Child Sex Abuse Passed Screening Before Hiring

The Tulsa church says Israel Castillo, 23, and Chris Denman, 20, both passed a screening process that included a nationwide background check and personal references.

Tuesday, September 18th 2012, 7:28 pm

By: News On 6

Church Says Men Accused Of Child Sex Abuse Passed Screening Before Hiring

Victory Christian Center issued a statement Tuesday addressing the charges against two former employees accused of child sex abuse.

The Tulsa church says Israel Castillo, 23, and Chris Denman, 20, both passed a screening process that included a nationwide background check and personal references.

They found no history of any criminal activity.

Both men are accused of having sexual relationships with three underage girls who attended camp at Victory Christian.

Denman has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and child molestation.

Castillo was charged Monday with lewd or indecent proposal to a child and use of a computer to facilitate a sex crime.

Reports show five staff members interviewed and fired both men and also spoke with the girls about the incident, but waited two weeks to notify their parents or police.

All five staff members were charged Monday with waiting too long to report the suspected abuse.

They were booked into jail last night, then released a short time later.

Denman has already been arrested, but Castillo has not yet turned himself in.