Active Charlotte church member accused of sexually assaulting children

Police say an “active member” of a Charlotte church sexually exploited fellow church members’ children over a nearly three-year period.

Nicolas Vasquez, 39, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with 18 counts of taking indecent liberties with a child, 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and five counts of first-degree sex offense.

He was in Mecklenburg jail late Thursday with bail set at $125,000.

Authorities searched his home on Wednesday and seized evidence related to the case, including pornographic images of the alleged victims, according to WBTV, the Observer’s news partner.

Officials said the four victims, both boys and girls, were between the ages of 9 and 12, and that Vasquez was “an active member” at the Asamblea Apostolica Church on Robinson Church Road in east Charlotte.

Detectives said he knew some of the victims through family relationships and others through the church.

Investigators said that the alleged incidents happened at Vasquez’s house.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 10:56 PM with the headline "Active Charlotte church member accused of sexually assaulting children."