By Fran Wilson, Staff Writer

NEW HAVEN — A 59-year-old pastor was arrested on Monday for allegedly raping a minor.

New Haven police arrested Walter Williams of 118 Skylark Dr. in Northford was charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree sexual assault and other related crimes, according the the New Haven Register.

According to reports, the New Haven Police interrogated Williams on July 7 and said he agreed to “five or six” sexual encounters with the victim between July 2015 and April 2016. The victim, reports said, was a member of the church’s choir.

Police say the victim’s mother contacted them after discovering text messages between her daughter and Williams on her daughter’s phone. The victim told police at least two of the assaults took place at Walk of Faith Church of Christ on Fairmount Ave. in New Haven, where Williams is the pastor.

According to police report, Williams assaulted the victim at her relative’s birthday party at Williams’ home. Another incident occurred a month later, when Williams summoned her to his office at the church. At least two of the incidents took place at the church, police said.

Williams is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday. He was held in lieu of $250,000 bail until his arraignment Tuesday morning.

Williams was unavailable at press time.