76-year-old pastor charged with sexually assaulting 20-year-old woman at Manassas church

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - A pastor at a church in Manassas has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman in his office during private counseling sessions, according to Prince William County Police.

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Officers responded on April 14 around 9 a.m. to investigate a sexual assault reported to have occurred at the Reconciliation Community Church located at 14654 Joplin Rd. in Manassas between March 8 and 10. 

The investigation revealed that the church’s pastor, identified as John Roger Peyton, 76, invited the victim, a 20-year-old woman, into his office for one-on-one counseling sessions. 

John Roger Peyton, 76 (PHOTO: Prince William County Police)

On two separate counseling sessions during the above timeframe, Peyton inappropriately touched the victim. The victim eventually reported the incidents to a family member who contacted the police prompting the investigation.

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On April 15, following the investigation, Peyton was arrested. He has been charged with sexual assault and assault and battery. Court records show he was released on his own recognizance and his arraignment hearing is April 29th.

Officials say he is no longer an employee at Reconciliation Community Church. FOX 5 reached out to the church but they did not have a comment on the matter.