COLUMBUS, Ohio – A 57-year-old minister said in interviews that he touched several children inappropriately during the past 37 years, a U.S. postal inspector testified.
David Waser, former pastor of Newark's Second Church of Christ, also said he had exposed himself to children at church camp and pretended it was an accident, Inspector Marty Arthur said in federal court Wednesday. Both Waser and his wife, Judy, have been charged with receiving and possessing videotapes of child pornography.
The couple face federal charges because the videotapes they are accused of possessing were sent across state lines.
In July, an undercover postal inspector in Missouri sold the couple 10 videotapes containing child pornography, Arthur said. Some involved children as young as 4, officials said.
U.S. Magistrate Mark Abel ruled Wednesday that David Waser should remain in the Franklin County jail pending trial.
"We have faith in the justice system," said his attorney, Jane Koprucki. She declined to comment further.
Waser was removed from his church position Tuesday, church members said.
Judy Waser, 54, will be placed on electronic monitoring and allowed to return to the couple's Newark home. Her lawyer, Steven Nolder, argued Wednesday that his client was not involved with any of the videos.
Both Wasers said they knew child pornography was coming to their home, Arthur said. He said Judy Waser said she was aware of her husband ordering only one tape.
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