GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Gaithersburg pastor is behind bars after police say he welcomed a young girl into his church, tried to rape her, and then blamed her demons for enticing him.
Octavio Cantarero — the pastor at Iglesia Pentecostal Principe De Paz — was charged with a fourth-degree sexual offense (sexual contact), sexual abuse of a minor, attempted second-degree rape, and second-degree assault, court records reveal.
The incident happened on the night of Jan. 16, Montgomery County police said. At the time, the victim was a congregant of the church.
In May, the victim reported the incident to police, saying the pastor invited her to stay in the church on Earhart Court. Cantarero, 42, reportedly told the girl that she was too young to live alone.
According to authorities, the pastor escorted her to a room and said they’d both have to sleep there. During the night, the young girl awoke to Cantarero allegedly trying to rape her.
“Cantarero asked the victim not to tell anyone about the incident and that he could help pay for her clothes, rent, and school,” police said. “He also stated that her demons had provoked him.”
A warrant was issued for Cantarero’s arrest on Sept. 16. He turned himself into police five days later.
Cantarero is being held without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 18.
Detectives ask anyone who believes they were victimized by Cantarero to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.