Local pastor accused of sexually molesting two young girls at his church

(Pictured: Yersson David Solarte Bastom, Ipul Pentecostal Church)

On May 8, Florida’s Sanford Police Department announced the arrest of a local pastor, 34-year-old Yersson David Solarte Bastom, on charges of Sexual Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, after he allegedly he engaged in inappropriate conduct, and sexually touched and/or assaulted two underage females at his church.

Background: On April 10, 2025, Sanford Police received a report of an inappropriate relationship between Solarte and two young girls. During the investigation it was determined Solarte Basto did create or attempt to create an inappropriate relationship with the victims, did inappropriately touch the victims, and sexually assaulted one of the victims. It was revealed that the incidents occurred at Ipul Pentecostal Church located at 2921 S. Orlando Dr STE 178, Sanford, where Solarte was the Pastor.

Following these allegations, Solarte was removed from his role as Pastor. Both victims were members of Ipul Pentecostal Church. As a result of the investigation, Sanford Police Investigators issued a warrant for Solarte’s arrest.

Sanford Police Investigators coordinated with local and out-of-state agencies to arrest Solarte who was believed to be out of state on a family trip.  On May 7, members of the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia arrested Solarte. Solarte will be transported back to John E. Polk Correctional Facility.

Due to the position of trust Solarte was in as a Pastor, there is a possibility that there may be additional victims who have not come forward yet. Sanford Investigators are asking anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents to contact the Sanford Police Department.

Regarding this arrest, Chief Cecil Smith stated, “People like this are a special class of criminal, who use their position of trust to prey on innocent victims. Solarte is now behind bars where he belongs. We pray there aren’t any additional people who have been victimized by this man. If anyone has information about these crimes, or other victims, come forward and help protect our children.”

Investigators are asking anyone with information about this crime, or who feels that they may have been victimized by Solarte, to please contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimeline.org.

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(Source and Yersson David Solarte Bastom booking photos: Sanford Police Department)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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