Youth Pastor Arrested on Child Rape Charges

Louis Bristol, a youth pastor and assistant hotel manager in Carpinteria, turned himself in to Sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday and has been charged with multiple counts of child molestation, child rape, and giving drugs to minors.

Authorities say Bristol, 28, raped at least two teenage girls — whom he met through his position as a High School Youth Pastor at the Carpinteria Community Church — in empty rooms at his other workplace, the Holiday Inn Express. Detectives have reason to believe there are additional victims, said Sheriff’s spokesperson Kelly Hoover. Calls to the Carpinteria Community Church were not immediately returned.

One of the girls was raped on multiple occasions, Hoover said. Bristol had sent them inappropriate text messages and photos before the assaults, and reportedly gave marijuana to the victims and other members of the church youth group. The crimes took place between late 2012 and early 2013, Hoover explained.

Bristol sits in County Jail awaiting arraignment. His bail is set at $2 million.

“If you have any information related to these crimes or can help identify others who may be victims as well,” said Hoover, “call Detective Chris Corbett at 684-5405 ext. 424 or call the anonymous tip line at 681-4171.”