Church Youth Director Charged With Raping, Assaulting Girl
LOWER BURRELL, Pa. (KDKA/AP) - Police say the since-fired youth director at a local church raped and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old church member.
Daniel Jack, 31, of Lower Burrell, faces a preliminary hearing June 30 on rape and other charges.
Police contend he befriended the girl through Amplify Church in Plum.
"We are saddened and surprised. We didn't suspect anything like this of Mr. Jack," said Amplify Church attorney Joe Kubit.
For several years, Jack, his wife and two children were members at the church.
Kubit: "Youth director coordinates activities and events involving young children and youth."
KDKA's Brenda Waters: "How had he been doing?"
Kubit: "He did a great job."
According to the criminal complaint, Jack met the girl, who was 16-years-old at the time, at church last year.
The criminal complaint reports he eventually began texting her, and later set up a Google account for the two of them and allegedly bought her a second phone so they could keep their texting and conversations private.
"Any time any individual is getting considered for employment at the church involving children, they are required to undergo background checks to try to prevent this kind of thing from happening," said Kubit.
Jack is charged with forcing the girl to have sex with him on several occasions from March through May of this year at his home, in a wooded area near his house, at his parent's home and in a car.
Jack's attorney, Robert Mielnicki sent a statement that reads in part: "Look at the affidavit. She says that he forcibly raped her, but then she had consensual sex with him six times after that. After practicing law for 23 years, I cannot rule out that anything is possible, but that seems strange to me."
Police say the girl told them she consented to the later sexual contact because she viewed Jack as a mentor and father figure.
Jack was also an IT person in the Kiski Area School District. Although none of the accusations involve the district or any students there, Jack is on administrative leave without pay.
He made bail and is living with his parents. He is required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet.
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