WASHINGTON — A Montgomery County youth minister is charged with sexual abuse of a minor after police say he developed a relationship with a 13-year-old.
Police say 24-year-old Paolo Belarmino became close to a 13-year-old girl in February 2015. Belarmino — a Rockville resident and youth group minister at the River of Life Church in Rockville — began dating the 13-year-old by April 2015.
Police say Belarmino initiated sexual contact with the victim. By June, the relationship escalated to multiple incidents of sexual activity, according to Montgomery County police.
Belarmino was aware that the victim was 13 years old. None of the sexual activity occurred on church property, according to police.
Police arrested Belarmino on July 10. He is charged with sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree rape, second-degree sexual offense and third-degree sexual offense. He was released July 13.
If anyone else believes that they have been victimized by Belarmino, they can call police at 240-773-5400.
