Pastor arrested in Miami-Dade lewd conduct investigation involving minor

A 50-year-old pastor has been arrested in connection with a lewd and lascivious conduct investigation involving a minor in Miami-Dade County, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

Investigators from the agency’s Special Victims Unit said the case began after a 15-year-old reported inappropriate behaviour by a pastor at her church. Authorities said the incidents allegedly occurred on church grounds in Miami and involved unwanted physical contact and concerning communications.

Detectives identified the suspect as Elco Vallier, 50, of Loxahatchee, Florida. Following an investigation, officers obtained an arrest warrant. With assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Vallier was taken into custody on the Miami-Dade warrant.

He has been charged with lewd or lascivious molestation and lewd or lascivious conduct on a minor.

The alleged incident is reported to have occurred on February 9 at a church located on Northwest 7 Avenue in Miami. Authorities have not released the identity of the victim due to her age.

Investigators are urging anyone with additional information, or parents whose children may have had contact with the suspect, to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit at (305) 715-3300. The investigation remains ongoing.