LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A Quarryville Bible study instructor was arrested on Wednesday after a woman came forward to report that he had sexually assaulted her repeatedly as a minor, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Officers from Troop J - Lancaster say the victim came to the station on Sept. 23 to report the assaults, which had occurred when she was 7-to=8 years old. The victim alleged that Michael Hess, 49, of Quarryville, would make her sit on his lap and then put his hand down her pants during Bible study for an entire school year.
The Lancaster Criminal Investigation Unit arrested Hess two days after receiving the victim's report. He was charged with aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and indecent assault without consent of other.
Troopers say they notified New Providence Church of God immediately after arresting Hess, and the church leadership has fully cooperated with the investigation.
Court documents show Hess is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 7.
Anyone with information that would further this investigation is asked to contact Trooper Nicholas Reginella by calling the PSP Lancaster Station at 717-299-7650.
