Local pastor receives additional criminal sexual conduct charges

More charges have been filed against a local pastor after he was already charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct on Tuesday.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said that Walter Ballenger III, 59, has been charged with two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in addition to a third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Ballenger is accused of touching children in a sexual manner.

Holbrook said Ballenger was taken into custody on Monday. At the time of the arrest, Ballenger was listed as a pastor at the Grace United Methodist Church, according to the church’s website.

Holbrook said as the investigation continues, additional charges could be forthcoming.

Columbia Police Department officials encourages anyone who may know a victim or have more information regarding the investigation to call (803) 545-3500

Staff Reports

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Local pastor receives additional criminal sexual conduct charges."