Boise pastor accused of sexually abusing teen girl; police say there could be more victims

BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — A 48-year-old Boise pastor is accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.

Bret Allen Welty was arraigned this week on a charge of sexual abuse of a minor and a charge of lewd conduct with a minor, that's the charge that could carry a life sentence.

Court documents say Welty is a pastor for Hard Rock Revival church, which is run out of his Boise home.

According to court documents, the 15-year-old girl was staying with Welty and his wife and children at their home on the Boise Bench.

Prosecutors say the girl's family believed the girl could get counseling from Welty over the weekend visit to help with her on-going anxiety issues.

Prosecutors say earlier this month, Boise Police officers were called out to a home at about 1 a.m. for a report of sexual abuse that occurred inside the Boise home.

According to court records, Welty came into the girl's bedroom, asked her to undress, then started to sexually assault her. The alleged assault was interrupted by the suspect's wife, records state.

After an investigation, Boise Police arrested Welty for sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16.

Court records state Welty had spent 20 years with Calvary Chapel Church in Boise and several years with Common Ground Riders Church.

According to online records, Welty is being held in the Ada County Jail on a $250,000 bond. His next scheduled court appearance is August 29.

Detectives say there's a possibility that there could be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to call 208-343-COPS.