Associate pastor at Coppell church sexually assaulted girl, Mesquite police say

Mesquite police arrested a pastor from a Baptist church in Coppell on Monday on a charge of sexually assaulting a child.

Authorities said they learned last month of the accusation against 40-year-old Jason Thomas, an associate minister of worship at Valley Ranch Baptist Church.

Police said the alleged abuse involved a girl younger than 14 but did not say when it took place or whether it was related to Thomas’ role at the church.

Officers arrested Thomas at his Coppell home Monday on one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Church officials could not be reached for comment Monday night.

Anyone with information about other potential incidents involving Thomas is asked to call Investigator Timothy Rountree at 972-329-8303 or Mesquite police at 972-285-6336.