Ryan Carter
BURBANK -- A local church's leaders are reacting with shock after its
now-former youth director was arrested, accused of committing sex acts
with a girl, according to police.
David Shelton, a Burbank resident and recently hired youth director
for American Lutheran Church in Burbank, was arrested Monday after an
investigation that lasted a few weeks, Police Det. Brian Llewellyn said.
Shelton, whose bail was set at $80,000, posted bond and was released
Tuesday from Burbank Jail, police said. He is scheduled to be arraigned
Jan. 10 in Burbank court.
"I have no comment on the issue," Shelton said earlier this week,
deferring to the advice of his attorney. "It's a very sensitive issue and
it's a very scary situation."
Police declined to release the age of the girl, who is a member of the
church's youth group. They also declined to specify what Shelton is
alleged to have done.
"It was a serious [sex] act, though," said Lt. Janice Lowers, a
department spokeswoman.
The girl attended an event this week at the church, said its pastor,
the Rev. Ron White.
White, who has ministered at the church for 20 years, was shocked by
the allegations.
"This hits us out of the blue," White said.
The church had been revamping its youth ministry and, after interviews
and a background check, hired Shelton in October. Shelton also works as a
creator of children's television characters. He recently organized a
Halloween concert and fund-raiser at the church, which benefited a local
canine shelter.
As head of the youth group, Shelton was responsible for supervising
and organizing youth programs for teenagers. Shelton has been fired from
the post, White said.
"We don't really know what the ramifications will be, and how these
alleged violations of trust will transfer to the congregation, its
ministry and to the kids," White said. "We are looking for leadership for
youth and seeking to handle the situation in a way that is helpful for
the kids," he said.
