Report: Young church member molested, raped by Orange Park pastor since 2007

The arrest warrant for the retired Orange Park pastor accused of sexual battery on a minor says the victim was allegedly raped and molested since 2007.

William Randall, 73, who was arrested Thursday, had preached for over 20 years at St. Simon Baptist Church.

According to his arrest warrant, Randall faces a custodial sexual battery charge, and reportedly had committed the crime between the years 2009-2013.

The warrant says that on Sept. 20, 2015, the victim had reported that Randall molested and raped her since 2007.

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The victim told the Orange Park Police Department that she met Randall when she started attending the church in 2007. She said Randall molested her and made her perform sexual acts at the church.

The victim said the sexual encounters would occur after church services or during the week when she would help out with work at the church.

The arrest warrant stated Randall told the victim to not tell anyone about their interactions because it would "ruin both of their lives."

Randall would give either give the child money or take her to lunch, the document stated. The victim told authorities she was too afraid to tell her mother for fear of being disciplined.

The victim said the sexual relation continued until Sept. 18, 2015.

Clay County detectives interviewed Randall Oct. 15, 2015, and he denied accusations, saying he never had sexual relations with the victim.

Action News Jax reporter Bridgette Matter went to the church where she spoke to a woman who was baptized by the former pastor.

The woman, who would rather not be identified, says she is not surprised by the allegation. She says she has heard rumors Randall was involved with children for the last 10 years.

The woman says she is upset it took this long for any arrest to have been made.

She believes Randall used his position to manipulate and get close to children. We reached out to the church for comment, but they did not call back.

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