The board of a Rio Linda church, whose pastor has been arrested on suspicion of child molestation, released a statement of support on Saturday.
Tom Gene Daniels, 48, pastor of the Rio Linda Baptist Church, is charged with suspicion of lewd or lascivious act with a child under 14 and engaging in 3 or more acts of sexual conduct with a child.
"Until such time as the courts prove Pastor Tom Daniels guilty, we have an obligation to support him and his family," said the statement. The statement also said that accusations such as those facing Daniels need to be tried in the court and not the media.
Another pastor is filling in at the 110-member church while Daniels is being held in Sacramento County Jail. Daniels' bail is set at $6 million.
Citrus Heights Police said that Daniels was arrested Dec. 9. Daniels has been employed as a foster parent and day care provider, and currently is the head pastor at the Rio Linda Baptist Church.