Police: Church leader sexually abused 2 teenagers

Suspect was youth group leader at Greater Grace Church

TOWSON, Md. —Baltimore County police charged a man Friday morning on allegations that he sexually abused two teenagers.

Investigators said the alleged abuse took place while Raymond Fernandez was a teacher and youth group leader at Greater Grace Church on Moravia Park Drive in east Baltimore.

Baltimore County police said a victim told investigators that Fernandez had sexually abused him 16 years ago.

Police said the victim reported that Fernandez was a church youth group leader, and that the alleged abuse took place during youth group functions and at Fernandez's home.

Detectives said Fernandez sexually abused a second victim associated with the church youth group in 1997.

"(He's) pretty down to earth, he seems like he's pretty much a family man," said Fernandez's neighbor in Nottingham, Tom Wagner. "To me, Ray's a nice guy as far as I know of. It does shock me."

Wagner said he believes Fernandez has a wife and two teenage kids.

Fernandez is no longer affiliated with the church. Neighbors and police said Fernandez was most recently working as a manager at the AMC Movie Theater on The Avenue in White Marsh.

Brian Lange of Greater Grace Church sent to 11 News a statement that reads, in part, "The elders, trustees and staff of the church will cooperate fully with any external investigation and the church will also conduct a thorough review of the matter. In addition, the elders and trustees are committed to conducting a full review of our present-day youth protection policies and activities."

Detectives said they believe there may be additional victims.

"We are asking people who were affiliated with the church at that time, who either were victims or they believe they may have information about abuse that may have occurred to come forward and let us know," Baltimore County police spokeswoman Elise Armacost said.