Phoenix man accused in child exploitation, molestation cases

PHOENIX - A 26-year-old Phoenix man has been arrested in a child molestation case stemming from an incident reported last July during a church summer camp.

Phoenix police say Christian Turcios was named as the suspect in the incident that occurred at Phoenix First Assembly in north Phoenix.

Police say when investigators tried to question Turcios about the allegations he refused to cooperate with police and did not appear for an interview. There was insufficient evidence at the time to make an arrest, but Turcios remained listed as a suspect in the case.

In October 2011, investigators from the Internet Crimes Against Children began to look into the exchange of images and videos over the Internet of child pornography and developed enough information to obtain a search warrant on Turcios' Phoenix home.

The search warrant was executed in December when investigators not only found images of children engaged in a variety of sexual acts, but also located images of Turcios engaged in sexual acts with children believed to be between the ages of 13 and 16.

Investigators also found information indicating Turcios was babysitting for members of Highland Church in north Scottsdale. Along with this information a video was located showing a young boy undressing, police say.

Detectives worked to identify the family who Turcios babysat for and learned he had surreptitiously obtained video of a 7-year-old boy for whom he babysat. The video was recorded in the home.

Turcios again refused to cooperate with detectives or answer questions.

Based on all the evidence and information known in this case police believe Turcios may have preyed on young children for several years. He allegedly placed himself in positions where he could be around children during church camps and other activities.

Police say they are aware of at least three other victims however they have not been able to identify them at this time.

Turcios was booked into jail on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, child molesting and unlawful surreptitious video recording.

Anyone having information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6141. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

The following statement was released by Phoenix First Assembly:

Our hearts are broken anytime there are allegations of any injury to a child. It is our overwhelming desire to protect innocent children in our care.

He was never an employee of the church- he was a volunteer. He was asked never to return to our campus and in fact a formal trespass was issued by the Phoenix Police Department to protect the children on our campus.

I am unable to provide any other information on this matter.

Pastor David Blythe

Associate Pastor

Officials at Highlands Church in Scottsdale told ABC15 Turcios is no longer employed there. They are working with authorities in the investigation and express their shock over the developments.