Sheriff’s Dept. Investigating New Allegations of Molestation by Parish Rector

A popular parish rector accused by his church of molesting a youth in Indiana more than a decade ago is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Department following public claims by two local parents that he also molested their children, authorities said Wednesday.

The Rev. Thomas Sandy of St. George’s Episcopal Church & Academy in Laguna Hills has been barred from performing priestly functions until church officials exercise their power to hold a church trial later this year on charges Sandy molested a youth in Indiana nearly 13 years ago.

No criminal charges have been filed against Sandy, and his attorney has called the allegations unfounded. Sandy and his attorney did not return phone calls seeking comment Wednesday.

At a church meeting held Saturday to discuss the Indiana case, two parishioners shocked the crowd of more than 100 by standing up and accusing Sandy of molesting their children, in 1991 and 1996. The parents acknowledged that they never complained to church officials or police or prosecutors.

Sheriff’s Lt. Tom Garner said the allegations have prompted an investigation.

“We’re taking a look at it right now and talking to people,” Garner said. “We’re giving individuals the opportunity to come forward if they know something.”

Many of Sandy’s supporters attended Saturday’s meeting to say they did not believe the allegations being leveled against him.

The Rev. Gary Hall, sexual misconduct officer for the Los Angeles Episcopal Diocese, which includes Orange County, said the diocese is conducting its own investigation into the allegations.