GREENCASTLE, Pa. — The chief operating officer of a Franklin County religious camp has been charged with corruption of minors after police say he asked a 14-year-old camper about sexual topics during one-on-one counseling sessions, State Police claim in a criminal complaint affidavit.
Aaron Ziebarth, 54, of Greencastle, was charged after an investigation by State Police, who were alerted by Franklin County Children and Youth Services about the victim's allegations in March.
In a forensic interview conducted in North Texas on April 23, the victim told authorities he was involved with the 4.12 Leadership Training program at Camp Joy El, a Christian camp located in Greencastle. As part of the program, the victim participated in Spiritual Growth Update sessions, where he would have one-on-one counseling sessions with Ziebarth.
According to police, the victim reported that Ziebarth discussed intimate and sexual topics about the victim's relationship with his girlfriend.
The victim reported the conversations with Ziebarth left him feeling "uncomfortable and confused."
Ziebarth also allegedly told the victim not to tell anyone about their conversation, according to the complaint.
Investigators interviewed Ziebarth in May when he allegedly confirmed he had met with the victim "two or three times" in one-on-one conversations. While Ziebarth told police he "didn't recall" discussing certain topics with the victim during the sessions, he also did not deny having them, police noted in the complaint.
Ziebarth allegedly redirected the conversation to “his faith or the conversation he had with the victim’s parents," according to the complaint.
Camp Joy El's Board of Directors released the following statement following Ziebarth's arrest:
"Camp Joy-El Ministries is aware of and is conducting a thorough internal investigation into the allegations and charges brought against Aaron Ziebarth during his tenure with Camp Joy-El Ministries. Mr. Ziebarth is currently on leave and not involved in the ministry.
"Joy El Ministries will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in this matter. Joy-El Ministries is praying for all those involved."
