Monte LaVelle Chitty was the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Marathon, Florida. He had ministered in churches in 25 other states. In early March, he was arrested for drugging and sexually assaulting a minor. He was released on $75,000 bond and skipped town.
Someone overheard the girl telling her grandmother about the assault and contacted police.
Chitty, a former police officer in Alaska, tried to preempt any report and contacted police himself to say he was afraid someone would make allegations against him. He claimed the girl was drunk and he allowed her to sleep on his couch, intending to take her home while delivering meals to the homeless.
The girl claimed he gave her a spiked drink that made her feel weak and unable to walk. She passed out and woke up to the pastor sexually abusing her. She got up after he left and called her grandmother. Chitty sent her text messages describing what he did to her. He admitted such to the police before asking for a lawyer.
After being released on bond, Chitty absconded. He was arrested in Texas on April 5, 2024. He is now held without bond.
- Local10: Report reveals graphic texts cops say Marathon pastor sent teen after sexual battery
- The Christian Post: Pastor accused of raping impaired teen now on the run, is former cop
- NBCMiami: Fugitive Marathon pastor accused of sexually battering teen caught in Texas
- Miami Herald: Florida Keys pastor, accused of sexually abusing teen, is back in jail without bond
April 7, 2024