NOVATO — A man was arrested at the Novato police headquarters following questioning concerning a child molestation incident reported the prior evening. The suspect works as a grocery delivery driver for Safeway.
A child was molested on the west side of the city. The incident allegedly occurred inside a residence during the evening hours of July 5. The victim in this case is younger than 10 years old.
Shortly after the victim’s parents learned what happened, they drove downtown to the police station. They brought their child inside with them, and immediately filed a police report with authorities.
A child molestation inquiry was opened after authorities met with the parents and the victim. The investigation was quickly wrapped up overnight.
Evidence and statements concerning the child victim were gathered, which culminated in the arrest of the elderly suspect the following morning.
The suspect has been identified as Leslie M. Church, a 65-year-old man who lives in Novato. Church was placed under arrest July 6 at 10:13 a.m. He was transported and subsequently booked into Marin County Jail at 11:22 a.m.
Pending a hearing this week, Church is being held in custody in lieu of $500,000 bond. Church is presently facing open charges as the case against him is reviewed. He allegedly committed two felonies involving this child.
Church is accused of oral copulation with a child by use of force PC 269(A)(4). He allegedly committed oral copulation with a child 10 years of age or younger PC 288.7 (B).
