Calif. pastor arrested for child molestation

VACAVILLE, Calif. — A pastor of a Fairfield church has been arrested on suspicion of molesting at least five children in incidents dating back nearly two decades.

The Vacaville Reporter reports (http://bit.ly/KI3MEa) authorities took the Rev. Robert “Silas” Ruark into custody Thursday at his home in Suisun City, after investigating victims’ abuse allegations.

Police say clergy at the Orthodox Christian diocese that oversees St. Timothy Orthodox Church contacted the Fairfield Police Department after learning of the alleged molestations and asked for an investigation.

Police say the diocese will cooperate fully.

Authorities say the victims, who range in age from 20 to 24, reported Ruark molested them inside the church when they were juveniles as young as 13.

Ruark has been booked into Solano County Jail on suspicion of multiple molestation charges.