A Mesa man who previously volunteered at a Chandler church is accused of child molestation.
On Sept. 14, Mesa police arrested 57-year-old James Rhodes on charges unrelated to the child molestation accusations.
From 2003 to 2009, Rhodes volunteered at the Arizona Avenue Baptist Church, Chandler police said. Rhodes worked in the sound booth while volunteering at the church near Arizona Avenue and Guadalupe Road.
Rhodes was remembered as always having candy for the children and often times he would have kids sit on his lap, officials said. He also participated in a weekly Bible study group and participated in Bible study sessions which were often times held at a church member’s houses.
While Rhodes was in custody at the Maricopa County jail, detectives filed seven counts of child molestation charges against him.
He is accused of molesting a child at the church and another at a home, authorities confirmed.
Earlier this year, Rhodes was accused of allegedly molesting a young girl.
The sexual assault came to light after the victim told her parents that she “had a secret” with Rhodes, who is a family acquaintance.
Rhodes allegedly admitted to the act and reportedly told police that it “felt good,” according to court paperwork.
