Ocala pastor arrested, accused of molesting girl
An Ocala church minister accused of repeatedly molesting a child was arrested by sheriff's deputies on Wednesday.
Derrell Dernell Redding has been charged with three counts of sexual assault and one count of lewd/lascivious behavior on a victim 12 or older but younger than 16.
The 54-year-old Ocala man made his first court appearance in front of County Judge Robert Landt on Thursday. Assistant State Attorney Ethan White argued that Redding should be held without bail due to the seriousness and nature of the crimes. The judge agreed.
At Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church, 8792 NW 38th Avenue Road, next to Fessenden Elementary School, a sign at the front identifies Redding as pastor. On his arrest report, Redding's occupation is listed as preacher.
No one at the church answered multiple knocks on the doors Thursday. At Redding's gated northwest Ocala residence, several vehicles were parked in the driveway. No one came to the front door when a reporter knocked at least three times.
Interview with the victim
Detective Annemarie Larocque of the Marion County Sheriff's Office said in her report that she went to Kimberly's Center for Child Protection and watched a case coordinator interview the victim.
The girl said Redding, who was a truck driver, molested her when the two of them went on a trip to Cleveland. She said Redding rubbed her buttocks, chest and private area.
The girl described other occasions, as well. She said sometimes this happened when other people were at choir practice.
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The girl said Redding hit her with his fist when he was angry.
Redding met with the detective at the Marion County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday. He declined to talk to the detective. Redding was then arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail for booking. Sheriff's officials said they don't believe there are any other victims.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala pastor charged with molestation of girl
