A pastor charged with a felony count of lewd or indecent proposals to a child under the age of 16 following allegations that were made against him in 2023 is now scheduled to go before a judge in Sequoyah County District Court.

Juan R. Esteban, 67, was formallychargedonMarch 25, 2024, and a warrant was issued for his arrest the same day, according to court records. He received a $15,000 bond and was to have no contact with the alleged victim as a condition of his bond, according to court documents. He is now scheduled to appear before Judge Payton on Feb. 20.

Sequoyah County Sheriff’s investigator Cindy Smith received a report in reference to the allegations and a forensics interview was scheduled with the alleged victim, where the minor said that their pastor (Esteban) had told the minor several times over the last year that the minor was his “favorite.”

According to the 15page probable cause affidavit filed in the case, the minor also alleged that Esteban had hugged and touched the minor on their shoulder and collar bone, feeling it was inappropriate, and had sent a note to the minor reading “I love you so much.” Another note reportedly read that Esteban was “into” the minor, according to the affidavit.

The minor alleged once, when at Price’s Chapel church with Esteban, he wanted to know if the minor wanted to learn how to shoot a gun. When the minor declined any shooting lessons, Esteban reportedly told the minor to “reach into the front pocket of his pants” and when the minor did, they reported feeling a small pistol in his pocket.

In another reported incident, Esteban allegedly asked the minor if they wanted to make $50. When the minor agreed, Esteban allegedly asked the minor to send “nudes” but the minor reportedly refused.

Smith interviewed Esteban at the Sheriff’s Office where he claimed “he’d heard lots of rumors and asked if it had to do with a gun.” Esteban reportedly admitted to carrying a pistol but also stated he carries candy for the children in a vest pocket, according to the affidavit. He also denied ever offering the minor shooting lessons.

When questioned about his relationship with the teen, Esteban described it as a “loving relationship, nothing special” and that he might have referred to the minor as being a “favorite” but did not elaborate any further. He stated that he may have accidentally touched the minor’s shoulder area, but not intentionally, and no longer gave the minor hugs.

Esteban also stated the notes sent to the minor were around Valentine’s Day, and “that maybe that was inappropriate a little, dumb on my part.” When he was confronted about requesting nude photos of the minor, he claimed he didn’t remember. Esteban instead stated that there may have been a misunderstanding and that he might have said “mood” photos instead of “nude” photos. He then described “mood” photos as “what a model does” but said he didn’t remember the conversation.

Esteban then reportedly refused to give a written statement and the interview was ended.

If found guilty of the crime, District Attorney Jack Thorp said the charge is punishable by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not less than three years nor more than 20 years.