WASHINGTON — A D.C. police officer and pastor accused of sexually abusing two teenagers will face federal child pornography charges.
At D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday, the prosecution announced they found pictures on Darrell Best’s cellphone and intend to file the additional charges in federal court. He already faces several counts of sex abuse of a minor.
Best’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze says an independent investigation will be conducted.
“They are allegations at this point. We look forward to conducting a thorough, independent investigation,” Lotze says.
Best, a 45-year-old Upper Marlboro resident, was arrested in March after a 16-year-old told investigators he sexually abused her three times at their Southeast D.C. church, God of a Second Chance Ministry Church, in December 2014.
Also, a 17-year-old came forward and told police Best sexually assaulted her in his office at police headquarters the same month. On at least one occasion, he was wearing his badge and gun.
Best is the pastor of God of a Second Chance Ministry Church and both alleged victims were church members.
After his arrest, he was placed on paid leave from the Metropolitan Police Department.
He is a 25-year veteran of the department, but was demoted from the rank of sergeant to patrol officer in 2008 after two incidents of sexual misconduct in 2007 and 2008 that involved a female cadet and a female police officer.
His next hearing will be held on June 2 for the original sex abuse charges.
