BSO: Church leader molested 9-year-old girl

Maher Jair Ortega-Estevez charged with lewd or lascivious molestation

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – The Broward Sheriff's Office on Tuesday arrested a church leader accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl at his apartment.

Maher Jair Ortega-Estevez was a voluntary leader at the Assembly of God Bethlehem Ministry congregation in Hollywood, according to BSO.

On Oct. 6, Ortega-Estevez, 29, invited the victim and her family to his Deerfield Beach, and during their visit, he fondled the girl while they were inside his bedroom, police say.

The girl told her parents, who notified police.

BSO charged Ortega-Estevez with lewd or lascivious molestation.

Investigators believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information in this case can call BSO at 954-321-4261 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.