Former Southwest Alaska VPSO, pastor arrested in Texas on child sexual assault charges
Former Southwest Alaska VPSO, pastor arrested in Texas on child sexual assault charges Alaska Public Media News
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Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges Linked to Baptist Church in Florida
Content warning: this story includes discussion of sexual abuse.
Introduction
A man who served as a village public safety officer (VPSO) and pastor in Southwest Alaska has been arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse. Monte LaVelle Chitty, 62, was apprehended in Woodville, Texas on April 5, 2024, while attempting to flee child-abuse related charges in the Florida Keys. Chitty is accused of committing the alleged abuse while serving as the head of a Baptist church in Marathon, Florida.
Background
Chitty worked as a VPSO in the communities of False Pass and Akutan for several years and briefly served as a pastor in Cold Bay. He moved to Alaska in 2010 and became the leader of the Cold Bay Chapel. After spending approximately a decade in communities along the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian chain, Chitty left the state in 2021.
Charges and Allegations
In March, Chitty was arrested and charged with two felonies involving a 15-year-old girl from the church he led in Marathon, Florida. The charges include sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation, along with a misdemeanor of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. According to a police report from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the victim stated that she passed out on a couch in Chitty’s office after he gave her alcohol, which she believed was spiked with an unknown substance. She alleged that she woke up to Chitty sexually assaulting her.
Chitty contacted the police before they spoke with the victim, denying the allegations and attempting to get ahead of them. However, detectives discovered text messages sent by Chitty that supported the victim’s claims. Although Chitty admitted to sending the texts, he denied any sexual contact.
Similar Incidents in Alaska
Prior to his arrest in Florida, Chitty was involved in a similar situation in Cold Bay, Alaska. According to Stephanie DeVault, a former member of his Alaska congregation, a young woman showed DeVault and her husband inappropriate messages from Chitty and expressed fear for her safety. DeVault stated that Chitty convinced other parishioners that the messages were misinterpreted, leading to no further action being taken. While the incident did not result in legal consequences due to the victim’s age, DeVault emphasized the immorality and inappropriateness of Chitty’s behavior.
Impact on Communities
Chitty’s actions had a significant impact on the communities he served. DeVault mentioned that many congregants left the church after learning about Chitty’s behavior. Additionally, the VPSO program, which aims to provide public safety in remote areas of Alaska, faced challenges in finding suitable candidates for the role. Michael Nemeth, the public safety coordinator for the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), acknowledged the importance of selecting individuals committed to community well-being and emphasized the extensive background checks and interviews conducted during the hiring process.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – The case highlights the importance of addressing gender-based violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of women and girls.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The arrest and charges against Chitty demonstrate the need for strong institutions that can effectively investigate and prosecute cases of child sexual abuse.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – APIA’s collaboration with the Department of Public Safety and organizations like Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence reflects the importance of partnerships in providing support and resources to victims of abuse.
Support for Victims
The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association offers behavioral health clinics and telehealth services to communities in the region. They operate a crisis line called We All Really Matter/WARM, which provides assistance and support to individuals experiencing crises related to domestic violence and sexual assault. APIA also collaborates with Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence to ensure that victims have access to necessary services. Victims can contact APIA or the crisis line for more information and support.
Candace Nielsen, a former mayor and resident of Cold Bay, emphasized the importance of shedding light on the case and encouraging other potential victims to come forward. She expressed concern that Chitty’s position of power may have prevented victims from speaking out.
Conclusion
Monte LaVelle Chitty’s arrest on child sexual abuse charges linked to a Baptist church in Florida has raised awareness about the need to address such crimes and support victims. The case underscores the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, SDG 16, and SDG 17, in promoting gender equality, ensuring justice, and fostering partnerships for community well-being.
The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association provides behavioral health clinics and telehealth services across the region. They also operate a crisis line called We All Really Matter/WARM
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses allegations of sexual abuse and molestation, which are issues related to gender inequality and the violation of women’s rights.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article highlights the arrest and charges against the individual involved in child sexual abuse, indicating the importance of justice and strong institutions to address such crimes.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of reported cases of sexual abuse or violence against women and girls.
- Number of arrests and prosecutions related to child sexual abuse.
- Number of support services available for victims of sexual abuse or violence.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. |
|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. |
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Source: alaskapublic.org
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