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Tuesday, November 21, 2006
RIVERSIDE — Riverside police arrested Pastor Dennis Bowling early Tuesday after a group of women associated with the Kingdom Harvest Church at 2360 Valley Pike told police Bowling had sexually assaulted female members of the congregation over a 10-year period.
Police met with the women Monday night and gathered physical evidence at the church, said Riverside police Sgt. David A. Crigler. "There were 12 victims there (Monday) night and they alleged either improper contact or rape," Crigler said.
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The ages of the alleged victims ranged from 10 to adulthood, Crigler said. Bowling, 45, has been pastor at the church for 19 years, according to Crigler.
After the meeting, Riverside police and Miami County sheriff's deputies arrested Bowling at a relative's home in northern Miami County. He was taken to the Montgomery County Jail, where he is being held on one count of rape as police continue their investigation.
Crigler said he will meet with Montgomery County prosecutors Wednesday morning to discuss formal charges.
Most of the alleged assaults occurred at the church or in Montgomery County. Others, however, occurred in other parts of Ohio and as far away as Haiti, Crigler said.
Crigler did not discuss how the assaults were carried out or what motivated the women to come forward with their allegations.
The most recent assault allegedly occurred two weeks ago, Crigler said.
The Kingdom Harvest Church is a brick structure with a residence attached. Bowling, who is married with children, lives in Huber Heights, Crigler said. Huber Heights police are assisting in the investigation.
A person who answered the phone at the church Tuesday afternoon declined comment, but said services are still scheduled for Sunday.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7408 or agottschlich@DaytonDailyNews.com.
