A former youth pastor in Washington state is facing serious criminal allegations after being arrested on suspicion of child molestation and voyeurism stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred during church-related events over several years. Authorities say the case may involve additional victims, and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward.
According to the Renton Police Department, 53-year-old Derek Nelson, a former youth pastor at Highlands Community Church, was arrested on May 27 after an investigation that dates back several years. He was booked into the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of second-degree child molestation and first-degree voyeurism. At the time of his arrest, formal charges had not yet been filed, though court proceedings were underway.
Investigators allege that one incident occurred during a church function in 2015 when a 12- or 13-year-old minor was taken into a changing area at a water park in Thurston County and sexually assaulted. A separate allegation involves an incident in 2019 involving a 17-year-old during another church-related event. Police say both incidents were reported years later, leading detectives to reopen the investigation and seek out additional potential victims.
The investigation reportedly began after an adult came forward in 2021 claiming they had been molested by Nelson years earlier while attending the church as a minor. Detectives reopened the case in 2024 and subsequently received additional reports from other alleged victims.
Church leadership stated that Nelson was terminated in 2020 after allegations of misconduct were first brought to their attention. The church later hired an independent organization to review its policies and procedures and says it has implemented a series of recommendations designed to improve safety and reporting practices. Church officials also expressed support for survivors and said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Detectives are asking anyone with information related to Nelson or similar incidents connected to church activities to contact investigators. As with all criminal cases, the allegations remain accusations until proven in court.
