WESTLAKE, Ohio – A pastor at a popular Westlake church is facing sex-related charges in Lorain County Common Pleas Court, according court records.

Paul Endrei, 53, of Avon is charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of gross sexual imposition. Endrei is the founding and senior pastor at Church on the Rise on Crocker Road, according to the church's website.

A grand jury indicted Endrei on Wednesday and Lorain County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested him Thursday, according to court records.

He was released from Lorain County Jail Thursday after posting $50,000 bond.

Details about the case have not been released. The Church on the Rise issued the following statement about the matter, and Endrei said in an email that he did not have any additional comment:

"The Church on the Rise of Westlake is aware of the recent indictment by Lorain County of Pastor Paul Endrei. We pray for Pastor Paul, his wife and 5 children. We are aware that the allegations are coming from one of the children adopted by the Endrei's. We pray that this troubled adolescent receive the help and counseling she needs.



"The Church believes in our legal system and that the truth will come out. To assist in that end, we are requesting that the media and press respect the privacy of Pastor Paul and his family. Church grounds are for spiritual growth and not for media or press interviews. We hope this request for privacy is respected and the press and media refrain from entering Church property.

"Pastor Paul maintains his presumption of innocence and hope that all reserve judgment until all facts are properly aired in a court of law. We not only have faith in our lord but also in our system of justice. Only after both sides present their case can a judgment be made in this very serious matter. We thank all members of the church and community for their prayers and continued support."