NJ church member arrested for allegedly having sex with child

MT HOLLY, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Burlington County man is facing multiple charges for allegedly having sex with a child multiple times.

On Friday, police announced the arrest of 44-year-old Shawn Tracey of Mount Holly.

The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office described Tracey as a deacon at Burlington Seventh Day Adventist Church, but the pastor disputed that to Action News, saying he's simply an active member of the congregation.

Detectives say Tracey had sex with a girl under the age of 13 over a two-year period at multiple locations in Burlington County.

Tracey was arrested on Tuesday and charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault, 13 counts of debauching the morals of a child, two counts of sexual assault and one count of showing obscene material to a minor.

A woman of faith herself, Paulette Gando, of Bergen County, says children should be safe, especially in their church community.

"To hear that news from being from people who have morals, standards, and ethics, and just overall, it's heartbreaking," she said.

In a statement, the NJ Conference of Seventh Day Adventists said in part, "This news is deeply distressing, and we are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency .... The Burlington Church is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for all our members, particularly our children and youth."

There was no answer at Tracey's home in Mt. Holly on Friday. Off camera, one neighbor told us they know him to be "an alright guy."

It's a characterization now called into question by the suspect's alleged actions.

The church says they're now reviewing all relevant safety protocols and safeguarding practices as they ask for prayer and compassion navigating this situation.

Officials are asking anyone who thinks their child may have been a victim to call the prosecutor's office at 609-265-5035. Information can also be sent online to tips@co.burlington.nj.us.