A suspect in the sexual abuse of a minor, Franklin Sharples, has been arrested.
According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday August 2, 2022 at approximately 1:11 p.m., a report was received of sexual offenses involving a juvenile, one of which took place in the 4400 Block of E. County 10th Street.
The investigation revealed that Sharples, age 34, a youth pastor at Champion Church, had committed sexual offenses against the juvenile. The offenses were reported to have taken place approximately two years ago when the juvenile was 9 years of age.
Yuma County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested and booked Sharples into the Yuma County Detention Center for Molestation of a Child.
This case remains under investigation at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case, is asked to contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.