Bishop charged by police with failing to report child sex abuse
By Joe Elias, PennLive
An Amish bishop in Dauphin County has been charged with failing to report two cases of child sexual abuse.
Christ M. Stoltzfus, 69, of Roller Road in Mifflin Township, told investigators that he was informed that one of the incidents "wasn't really that bad" during an interview in February, according to state police.
State police said that under the law clergymen are required to inform law enforcement about cases of child sexual abuse.
In January, a member of Stoltzfus' church told troopers he informed the bishop of the cases of child sexual abuse that occurred in 2011.
Both cases involved Daniel Ray Fisher, 44, of Weaver Road in Mifflin Township, records state.
Fisher was charged in a separate case in November and again in January with inappropriately touching a then 5-year-old girl and a then-10-year-old girl, records state.
In one case, Fisher offered to adjust the girl's dress and assaulted her; in the other he asked to see a girl's snow pants and then assaulted her, records state.
During an interview in November, troopers said Fisher began to "sweat profusely" and eventually told the investigators, "You got me," records state.
Fisher has been charged with aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of a minor and indecent assault in each case.
Fisher is currently free on $50,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 8.
During their interview with Stoltzfus in February, troopers told him it appeared as though he was covering up the cases of sexual abuse, police said.
Stoltzfus responded by saying "Well that's what happened in that case...I didn't know everything," records state.
On May 9, Stoltzfus was charged with with two counts of failing to report suspected child abuse. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 14.
Court records indicate Stoltzfus has not yet been arraigned on the charges.
Mifflin Twnshp, PA
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