REEDVILLE, Va. (BP) — A Virginia pastor was arrested Aug. 8 and charged with sexual abuse against children. David Lawrence Schneider faces 19 felony counts, including one count of aggravated sexual battery, 10 counts of forcible sodomy and eight counts of indecent liberties with a child while in a custodial role.

Schneider had been the pastor of Fairport Baptist Church in Reedville, Va. It is unknown if the alleged crimes had anything to do with the church or its members. Various news outlets have reported that Schneider also had been in leadership at Nomini Baptist Church in Montross, Va.

Based on audio recordings posted on Fairport Baptist’s website, Schneider has not preached there since at least early July. A message left on the church’s voicemail Aug. 15 was not returned.

A 2022 report in the Rappahannock Record not long after Schneider became pastor of Fairport said he graduated from Liberty University where he majored in child and adolescent behavior. He also reportedly served as a youth pastor in several churches as well as director of youth outreach and family services for the YMCA of Central Virginia.

Schneider is being held at the Northern Neck Regional Jail without bond.

If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at 202-864-5578 or [email protected]. All calls are confidential.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Laura Erlanson is managing editor of Baptist Press.)