Youth Minister—

Newtown Man Charged With Sex Offenses In Monroe

MONROE — Monroe police have arrested a Newtown man, charging him with several sex offenses in connection with his former work as the youth minister for the Stepney Baptist Church in Monroe.

In a statement, Monroe Police Lieutenant Brian McCauley said police arrested David Esarey, 30, of 164 Hattertown Road, Newtown, at 8:45 am on November 5, charging Esarey on a warrant with employing a minor in an obscene performance, third-degree possession of child pornography, and risk of injury or impairing the morals of a minor.

Police said they then booked Esarey on the charges at the police station and held him on $75,000 bail for an arraignment later that day in Bridgeport Superior Court.

Following his arraignment, Esarey was held on $75,000 bail for a November 19 court appearance. Esarey has not yet entered pleas to the three charges, according to the court.

Police said that in October, they received and investigated a complaint of “inappropriate pictures” found on a computer belonging to Esarey, who was then the church’s youth minister. The church is located at 423 Main Street.

“When Stepney Baptist Church officials learned of the allegations, Esarey was removed from his position as youth minister,” police said.

Through the police investigation and analysis of various electronic devices involved in the case, it was determined that the sexually explicit photos were of a girl under age 16, according to police.

“Other pictures, as well as text messages and other electronic communications of a sexually explicit nature between the two, were investigated,” police said.

The communications between the two occurred between January and October, according to police.

Having gained sufficient evidence in their investigation, police sought and received an arrest warrant for Esarey.