Warning: The following content is not intended for younger audiences.
Multiple sources are reporting that Pastor Harry Thomas, the co-founder and figurehead of the largest ongoing Christian music festival in the world, has been arrested and charged with allegedly sexually abusing four minors between 1999 and 2015.
According to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office (as reported by
The Philadelphia Inquirer, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, NJ.com, and Fox29, among others), Thomas, 74, faces one count of aggravated sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault and four counts of endangering the welfare of children.
The 74-year-old pastor and founder of Come Alive Church in Medford, N.J., is expected to make an appearance in Superior Court in the near future, according to reports from the prosecutor's office.
The office said Thomas is currently being treated at a medical facility, where he is guarded by law enforcement.
Thomas founded Creation Festival with Timothy Landis in 1979, which has played host to tens of thousands of festivalgoers and hundreds of the biggest bands in the Christian music industry. He has been an integral part of the main stage activities throughout the years, most notably the annual candlelighting moment.
Come Alive Church released the following statement Thursday night:
"It is with deep regret and saddened hearts that the board of Come Alive International and Creation Festivals along with the Elders and Trustees of Come Alive New Testament Church have indefinitely suspended Pastor Harry Thomas from all leadership positions with the church, festival and all associated ministries. While the allegations are unrelated to his roles in these ministries, leadership has determined this to be the proper course of action at this time until there can be a full investigation. It is requested that all pray for the parties involved and refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances."
The Prosecutor's Office is urging anyone who may have experienced inappropriate contact by Thomas to call its sexual assault/child abuse unit at 609-265-5879 or Medford Township police at 609-654-7511.
