03:06 PM CST on Saturday, December 3, 2005

Associated Press

EULESS, Texas — Police say a 68-year-old pastor has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 21-year-old man.

The Reverend James Leonard Finley, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church of Euless, was arrested Thursday. Authorities say he fondled the alleged victim against the man's wishes while he was home alone.

Police say the man was left crying in the apartment he shares with his mother. He immediately called police.

Authorities later recorded Finley offering to perform sex acts on the man.

Euless Detetive Kimberly Althouse says Finley had previously given money to the alleged victim's family to help them with bills.

Finley -- who's also a police volunteer -- was charged with public lewdness, a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail and a $4,000r fine. He is free on bond.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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