Solano pastor denies molestation charges

A Solano County pastor accused of molesting children at a Cordelia church denied the allegations Monday in a Fairfield courtroom.

Robert Ruark of Suisun City was arraigned on 27 felony charges and bail was set at $500,000 by Solano County Superior Court Judge Bradley E. Nelson, according to The Reporter newspaper in Vacaville.

Solano County Deputy District Attorney Mary Nguyen argued for the high bail by contending that Ruark tried to dissuade one of his alleged victims from talking with police, the newspaper said.

Ruark is charged with molesting children at his church, St. Timothy Orthodox Church at 4593 Central Way in Cordelia, and at his Suisun City home, since 1994.

Fairfield police, which investigated the allegations, said at least three and as many as six children have come forward with complaints about the well-known pastor, who was called Father Silas.

The 27 counts filed against Ruark were based on testimony from three alleged victims and will be expanded if more victims are found, authorities said.

Judge Nelson said Ruark would be subject to 24-hour electronic monitoring if he is released on bail, the newspaper said.

A court hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 23 in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield.

Police said alleged victims reported improper contact with Ruark when they were as young as 13 and said he took photographs of them naked, the newspaper said.

Prior to being ordained as a priest in 1997, Ruark served in the U.S. Army’s criminal investigation unit and was a chief investigator for Solano County’s Health and Social Services department, authorities said.

Fairfield police are still investigating the case, and have asked anyone with information to contact the Investigations Bureau at (707) 428-7600 or call the department’s anonymous tip line at (707) 428-7345.