EGLON — A former leader in a local community church has been charged with child molestation.

Scott William Roberts, 44, of Eglon, was arrested on charges of child molestation in the first degree April 28. He is a former pastor of the Eglon Community Church.

According to Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office documents, the incident occurred when the victim and several other children were at Roberts’ house for a sleepover in February.

The report states that the 9-year-old claimed while she was asleep, Roberts inappropriately touched her a number of times, rubbing his “private part” on the girl’s back and her hand.

Roberts routinely slept in the same room with the children when they would spend the night at his home, according to the Sheriff’s report.

The next day, the victim’s sister, who witnessed the event, told her brother. Her brother then asked the victim, who substantiated that the molestation occurred. The victim’s uncle was then told and confronted Roberts, who confirmed that the incident did take place, according to the report. After admitting to the incident, Roberts stepped down as pastor of Eglon Community Church.

However, it wasn’t until April 23 that KSCO was notified of the incident. Deputies confronted Roberts at his home a few days later and arrested him after he again admitted to what he had done. Roberts was booked into Kitsap County jail and bail was set at $100,000. He was formally charged in Kitsap County Superior Court May 3 and entered a not guilty plea.

KSCO public information officer and Deputy Scott Wilson said Roberts is not an officially ordained religious leader, but was elected by the church members as their pastor.