DC Police Officer, Pastor From Md. Charged With Sex Abuse Of Teen

WASHINGTON (AP) -- D.C. police have charged an officer, who is also a pastor from Maryland., with sexually abusing a teen girl who attended his church.

Police say 45-year-old Darrell Best of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was arrested Monday night and charged with first-degree sex abuse of a minor.

On Saturday, police say a 16-year-old girl reported that Best, the pastor of her church, abused her three times, starting in December. A warrant was issued on Sunday. Police say Best, the pastor at God - A Second Chance Ministry Church in southeast Washington, was off duty during the incidents.

A police spokeswoman tells The Washington Post that Best has served on the force for 25 years and is now on administrative leave.

Police say detectives are continuing their investigation.