Deputies then conducted a two-day undercover operation this week
during which Chitwood said some of the undercover deputies
were propositioned walking on the trials at the parks and witnesses the
sexual acts for themselves.
Eight men were arrested by Thursday, some
with criminal records and ties to local churches, according to the
Sheriff's Office. They are charged with lewd and lascivious behavior or
indecent exposure.
,,,
Among the men arrested was John Clarke, 80,
of South Daytona, who told deputies he is a retired New York police
officer. Chitwood said Clarke is a pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
on Big Tree Road in South Daytona. Clarke is listed on the church's
website as a deacon.
Also arrested was Paige Blakely, 68, a
Catholic retired priest. Chitwood said he served at St. Ann's Catholic
Church in Debary on Dogwood Trial. Blakely was arrested in 2011 during a bathroom sex string in Holly Hill.
"Paige Blakely’s faculties to serve as a
priest were removed by Bishop John Noonan in Nov. 2011 and he has not
been allowed to serve in ministry," said Jennifer Drow, senior director
of communications for the Diocese of Orlando. "Blakely’s faculties were
never reinstated."
Sheriff: Former priest, current pastor among suspects accused...
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