A 65-year-old married pastor and Bible college president has been accused of sexually assaulting a male student during an international flight. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Justice, which says Rev. Cornelius Tilton of the Christian Bible College of Louisiana was arrested by agents as soon as the plane landed in New Jersey.

During the flight, Tilton allegedly placed his hand on the victim’s bare calf. Tilton continued to touch the victim’s thigh, and eventually began rubbing the victim’s genitals over the victim’s shorts. The victim did not react, or look at Tilton, out of shock and fear. Tilton took the victim’s hand and placed it on Tilton’s erect penis, on top of his clothing. The victim got up to go to the bathroom, in hopes of ending the assault. Tilton also went to the bathroom. When the victim and Tilton were back in their seats, Tilton continued to touch the bare skin of the victim’s lower back, underneath the victim’s clothing. Tilton moved his hand around to the front of the victim’s waistline, and attempted to place his hand down the victim’s pants, when the victim blocked Tilton’s hand with his elbow. The victim then got up from the seat and informed a flight attendant about the assault.

If Tilton is found guilty of the assault, he could face up to two years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

Sadly, this is yet another incident where an alleged predator may have gained unearned trust in the Christian community, only to take advantage of a student when he thought he could get away with it. Those who know Tilton say they’re shocked by this behavior, but then again, they always are.

(Screenshot via Fox8Live)

