Mansfield pastor accused of raping 8-year-old girl

MANSFIELD, Texas - A church pastor has been arrested by police in Mansfield for allegedly raping a little girl.

Jose Luis Pizarro, 41, is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child by forcible rape.

Police said an 8-year-old girl made an outcry a few days ago that she was inappropriately touched by her pastor at Iglesia de Dios Nuevo Amancecer. The family told investigators the alleged sexual assault happened in church last May. Pizarro was arrested Thursday.

“Our concern is that there are other victims out there that have not come forward,” said Thad Penkala, Mansfield Police.

Pizarro remains in the Mansfield jail on a $500,000 bond for a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child-forcible rape. He's also being held for federal immigration officials with no bond until authorities can determine his visa status.

A church member said Pizarro has been at the Mansfield church for about 10 years.

“I understand this is a church situation some people probably have a close connection to this pastor,” Penkala said. “We understand that. We are concerned for any potential victims out there and their families."

Anyone with information is asked to call Mansfield police at 817-473-0211 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County.