LAKELAND, FL -- An Auburndale church volunteer who is HIV positive has been arrested and charged with sexual battery on a child.
Jere Temple, who volunteered at the Rainbow Promise Community Church, is charged with six counts of child sexual battery. The 13-year-old victim and Temple both attend the church where Temple volunteered as a mentor for children.
Police say Temple, 58, had admitted to having sexual contact with the teen on several different occasions.
"This is probably one of the most despicable cases and allegations that we have had at the Lakeland Police Department in my experience," said police spokesman Jack Gillen.
Temple knew he was HIV positive, but never told his victim.
If you knowingly have an infectious disease and you don't reveal that to your partner, that is a third degree felony, " said police sargeant Gary Gross.
The mother of the teen said he told her he had been molested by Temple. Police say the assaults took place inside Temple's home in the Ariana Village Mobile Home Park on Alyssum Loop in Lakeland.
Police say they seized more than enough evidence from Temple's home to make their case.
Karen Ducham, pastor of the Rainbow Promise Community Church, says the congregation is "in shock."
Temple is being held in the Polk County Jail $1.25 million bond.
The case remains under investigation. Investigators are looking for help from others who may be potential victims.
