SEALY, Texas – A former church youth volunteer is facing charges of child sexual assault, according to the Waller County District Attorney's Office.
Investigators say 39-year-old Nilson Vargas took advantage of at least two boys between the ages of 13 and 16 for a period of three years when he volunteered at Christian City Fellowship in Sealy.
The church's pastor says he brought the allegations to authorities after one of the victims and his parents came to them.
"The child actually came to the parent and then came to us and the authorities," says the Rev. Rusty Griffin. "We made sure that this was exposed right away."
Investigators say the alleged assaults took place over a period of three years after Vargas gained the victims' trust by telling them that pornography and certain sexual acts were "normal conduct."
One victim says he felt pressured and too ashamed to report what evolved into sex with Vargas. Authorities say the assaults took place in several locations -- including in the church and hotels in Harris, Austin and Fort Bend counties.
Griffin says he's saddened for the victims and for Vargas' family -- all who have be undergoing counseling.
"We're sorry for anybody's trauma," says Griffin. "While we can't stop all sin we can be a part of the healing and restoration and help all these families."
Vargas reportedly checked himself into a rehabilitation center in North Texas for sex addiction. Because of his access to children at the church authorities believe there may be more victims.
He works for ConocoPhillips and allegedly had sexual contact with his victims before moving to Norway with his family for work in 2011. Authorities say when they moved back about a year ago Vargas began attending Christian City Fellowship again and tried to reconnect with one of his alleged victims.
Waller County Sheriff's Office said Vargas turned himself in at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. His bond was set at $500,000.