Jon David Schils, a 27-year old youth ministry director at Bethel Baptist Church in Cocoa, Florida has been criminally charged with molestation of a 14-year old girl he met through his ministry. Schils has been charged with fourteen instances of lewd and lascvious battery in Brevard County. The arrest was made after law enforcement recorded a phone call in which Schils told the girl not to tell her mother about having sex. Detectives also said they found evidence of sex between Schils and the minor at or near a ballfield where the two allegedly meet. In addition to serving as a youth minister, Schils also assisted with the church’s after-school sports program. Bethel Baptist Church is located at 1950 Michigan Avenue in Cocoa, Florida. Schils has also been employed as a groundskeeper at Eastern Florida State College.
Cases like this involve the horrific betrayal of trust. Children should be safe from harm while involved in youth activities at churches, such as Bethel Baptist Church. Instead, according to law enforcement records, Jon Schils betrayed that trust. This alleged victim should be commended for reporting the abuse to her family and law enforcement.
Adam Horowitz is experienced in filing claims on behalf of victims of clergy sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual abuse, please e-mail attorney Adam Horowitz at [email protected] or call our law firm at (954) 641-2100.