A Florida pastor has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two underage girls who were members of his congregation, with investigators reporting he gave a chilling justification for his alleged abuse.
Yersson Solarte, 33, pastor at Ipul Pentecostal Church in Sanford, Florida, was taken into custody on May 7 during what authorities described as a “family trip” to Virginia. The arrest came following a multi-state operation coordinated between the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia and Florida’s Sanford Police Department.
According to detailed police reports, Solarte faces serious charges including sexual battery of a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred within the church premises.
Investigators became aware of the allegations on April 10 when reports surfaced about an “inappropriate relationship” between the pastor and two underage members of his congregation. The subsequent investigation revealed disturbing accounts from both victims.
The first girl reported that Solarte made her sit on his lap before sexually assaulting her. These incidents allegedly took place in both the pastor’s office and the church’s multimedia room. According to court documents, she came forward just days after the most recent assault.
The second victim provided investigators with even more troubling details. She reported being abused by Solarte on multiple occasions and claimed the pastor “expressed his love for her” while also attempting to make her jealous by hugging her sister.
This victim alleged that Solarte molested her during a “juvenile meeting” and in his office. She further stated that he “forcefully” grabbed her face to kiss her and at one point unzipped his pants while telling her they were a “couple.”
Most disturbingly, when questioned by the victim about his behavior, Solarte allegedly offered a chilling rationale for the abuse, telling her: “We only live once.” This statement, documented in the police affidavit, has particularly alarmed investigators who are concerned about the possibility of additional victims.
Officials from the Sanford Police Department confirmed that Solarte has been removed from his position at Ipul Pentecostal Church, also known as Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Latinoamericana Orlando Norte. However, as of May 10, his name reportedly still appeared on the church’s website.
Attempts to reach church leadership for comment have been unsuccessful. The religious institution now faces questions about its oversight and protection of minors in its congregation.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith did not mince words when addressing the case, stating, “People like this are a special class of criminal, who use their position of trust to prey on innocent victims. Solarte is now behind bars where he belongs.”
The seriousness with which authorities are treating the case is evident in their public appeal for additional information. “We pray there aren’t any additional people who have been victimized by this man. If anyone has information about these crimes, or other victims, come forward and help protect our children,” Chief Smith added.
Law enforcement officials have expressed particular concern given Solarte’s position of authority within the church and his access to young congregation members. The investigation has been complicated by the fact that Solarte is reportedly a married father, adding another layer of shock to the community.
Following his arrest in Virginia, Solarte has been transported to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Florida where he awaits further legal proceedings. Court records do not yet indicate if he has obtained legal representation or entered any plea in response to the charges.
If convicted, the pastor faces significant prison time under Florida law, which imposes severe penalties for sexual crimes against minors, particularly those committed by persons in positions of trust or authority.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Sanford religious community and raised concerns about child safety protocols in religious institutions throughout the region.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to these incidents or knowledge of other potential victims to contact the Sanford Police Department immediately.
