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Church volunteer accused of inappropriately touching girl

Police have arrested Meredith Delynn Cromartie Jr., 20, on charges that he inappropriately touched a 12-year-old girl.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Police have arrested a man accused of inappropriately touching a 12-year-old girl at a nonprofit organization in Raleigh.

Meredith Delynn Cromartie Jr., 20, of Raleigh, faces two counts of indecent liberties with a child.

The alleged crimes happened July 18 at the Dream Center of Body of Christ Church, a church-outreach facility on Fox Road, where sources tell WRAL News Cromartie was volunteering.

He was jailed Monday under a $30,000 secured bond.

Cromartie was also arrested last year on charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer.

He's expected to appear in Wake County courtrooms later this month on pending charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, second-degree trespassing, reckless driving and speeding.

Cromartie's arrest marks the second time in a year that someone connected to Body of Christ Church has been accused of sex offenses involving children.

In October, the church's choir director, John Earl Wright, was charged with taking indecent liberties with a child and giving alcohol to minors. Police say Wright, 31, met his 14-year-old victim through the church, though the crime allegedly took place at his Knightdale home.

Wright is currently serving a two-year prison sentence.

Pastor Kelvin Redmond could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but a man who said he was responding on the pastor's behalf called WRAL News to say the church is investigating.

"We will forgo all comments pending the outcome of the investigation," he said.

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