UPDATE Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018: A Grand jury issued an indictment against Collin Galletly Jr., according to court records. The indictment was made public Thursday. He turned himself in early Monday, June 4, 2018 and was subsequently released on bond several hours later, according to jail records. The former church deacon is accused of inappropriately touching two children.

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IRONDALE, Ala. (WIAT) — Irondale Police charged a 69-year-old man with sexual abuse after he was accused of inappropriately touching two children, according to a release from the Irondale Police Department. 

The legal guardian of two girls, ages 9 and 12, filed a report with Irondale PD back in November 2017 stating that a deacon at McElwain Baptist Church inappropriately touched the girls. 

On May 30, Irondale Police arrested Collin Galletly Jr. and charged him with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a child less than 12, and second-degree sexual abuse. Galletly’s bond is set at $30,000. 

The McElwain Baptist Church has issued a statement following charges filed against Galletly:

We were heartbroken upon hearing of this behavior by a member of McElwain Baptist Church. Our hearts go out to the children and family that have been victimized by this abuse. The safety and security of our children is a top priority at McElwain. When we learned about these actions in November of last year, we were immediately in contact with the local law enforcement. We informed Mr. Galletly that he could no longer attend church services at McElwain Baptist Church until this matter is concluded. We have worked with the victims to provide support and encouragement to them and will continue to do so. We are praying for healing for the victims in this case. 

Police ask if anyone else suspects potential abuse related to Galletly, please email detectives at investigations@irondalepolice.org.