Former Acworth Sunday School teacher faces molestation charges

Police say a former Acworth Sunday school teacher who is accused of sexually assaulting a student in a church basement may have more victims, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Jonathan Martinez, 27, was arrested Feb. 2 in Glynn County and is currently being held for another agency on charges of aggravated child molestation, enticing a child, sodomy and computer pornography.

The former Sunday school teacher served a congregation that rented an Acworth church between 2007 and 2010, the station said.

During the time classes were in session, Martinez allegedly sexually assaulted at least one of the students on church property, according to an arrest warrant.

Martinez would separate a young female from her peers and take her to a basement conference room, where the alleged attack occurred, the warrant said.

Channel 2 reported police worry there are more victims, but time is not on their side.

Another alleged attack took place at an Acworth home as late as 2013, when Martinez allegedly videotaped a sex act using his cellphone, according to the arrest warrant.

Neighbors told Channel 2 the family that lived in that house moved out months ago, but while they lived there they conducted religious services at the house.

Police told Channel 2 they expect more charges against Martinez, but Carlos Garcia of the Cobb Immigration Alliance said recent gains in trust between the community and law enforcement have been damaged.

“After these immigration raids people will think twice before even talking to law enforcement,” Garcia said. “Yes, it will be a challenge for investigators.”