A Miami-Dade pastor is facing felony charges after a teenage parishioner accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct at a church in Northwest Miami-Dade.
Elco Vallier, 50, was arrested and charged on February 11, 2026, in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court with multiple felony offenses, including lewd and lascivious molestation of a child between the ages of 12 and 16 and lewd and lascivious conduct involving a minor under 16, according to court records.
His arraignment is scheduled for March 13, 2026.
The charges stem from allegations made by a 15-year-old girl who told authorities that Vallier inappropriately touched her while on the premises at Theophile Church, located on NW 7th Avenue in Miami, Florida.
Allegations Against Pastor Elco Vallier
According to media reports and law enforcement, the investigation began after a teenage parishioner reported that Vallier engaged in inappropriate sexual touching.
Authorities allege that:
- The victim was 13 years old when the alleged misconduct began and is now 15
- The victim alleges that Vallier "fondled her buttocks, rubbed her thigh, and attempted to kiss her on several occasions."
- The alleged misconduct occurred at Theophile Church in Northwest Miami-Dade County
- The victim’s mother reported discovering inappropriate text messages allegedly sent by Vallier to her daughter
- Vallier held a position of authority and spiritual leadership within the church
Media reports state the minor reported the alleged behavior to authorities, prompting an investigation by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. According to authorities, they initiated a controlled phone call between the victim and Vallier, that lead to his arrest. Detectives with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit obtained an arrest warrant and, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Vallier at his home in Loxahatchee, Florida.
Positions of Trust and Authority
Clergy members occupy positions of significant spiritual and personal authority within their communities. Congregants — particularly minors — may view pastors as mentors, counselors, and trusted leaders.
Under Florida law, lewd and lascivious offenses involving minors are serious felony crimes. Any sexual contact between an adult and a child under 16 is unlawful, regardless of consent.
Allegations involving a pastor and a teenage parishioner raise serious concerns about abuse of trust, power imbalance, and the safety of minors in religious settings.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law represents survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members and other religious authority figures. We have handled cases involving abuse in churches, religious institutions, schools, and youth organizations. Children and teenagers have the right to worship and participate in religious communities that are safe and free from sexual misconduct.
If you need a lawyer because a member of a religious organization sexually abused you, contact us today at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse nationwide. We can help.