Word of Life Christian Fellowship Church (Google Maps)
BRENTWOOD, Calif. (KTVU) - Brentwood Police say they arrested a 19-year-old Oakley man on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child less than 10 years of age in a church restroom.
Ladell Smith was taken into custody after police investigated the incident April 2 at Word of Life Christian Fellowship Church. According to police, Smith immediately fled the scene following the assault, but was apprehended a short distance from the church located on 4501 O’Hara Ave.
Police said both the victim and Smith are members of the church. Smith was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility April 6 on multiple felony counts of sexual assault and child molestation. Charges against him from the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office include two counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration and two counts of forcible lewd act upon a child. His bail has been set at $2.2 million.
Police said Smith’s photo was being withheld due to an ongoing investigation.
The suspect is said to have ties to San Francisco, Oakley, and Richmond. Based on this investigation, it is believed there are other victims.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or other possible victims is urged to contact Detective Veillette at 925-809-7767