The pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Iola has been arrested in Florida on charges of sexual battery.
Michael Wayne Hill, 52, was arrested Jan. 8 in Volusia County, Fla., by sheriff’s officers on a warrant based on allegations that he sexually assaulted an individual in the 1990s who was then less than 12 years old.
The arrest report from the Volusia County Sheriff’s office said Hill apparently contacted the victim and arranged to meet him or her in Daytona Beach on Jan. 8. Deputies monitored the meeting outside a restaurant. Hill was arrested after the meeting concluded. The conversation was recorded.
Ron Carlson, president of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, based in Topeka, told the Register that Conference administrators have the responsibility of hiring pastors. Carlson said none of the allegations against Hill showed up in a background check when he interviewed for the position. Hill had also been a pastor in Chanute since November 2014. He has been released from his positions.
“Our hearts go out to the alleged victim,” Carlson said.
Hill is being held without bond on a charge of sexual battery of a child under 18 but over 12. His arraignment is set for Feb. 4.
Iola pastor accused of sexual battery
