Former Daytona Beach Salvation Army employee arrested on sexual battery charges

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A former Daytona Beach Salvation Army employee is behind bars and facing two counts of sexual battery and sexual misconduct by a psychotherapist.

Gerard Pepin’s job as a clinical supervisor was to help those who were fighting to overcome substance abuse, but he’s accused of sexually assaulting one of his patients in 2011.

Investigators with the State Attorney’s Office learned the 62-year-old had moved to Bay County and were able to have him arrested.

“Our hearts certainly go out to any victims out there,” said Maj. Stan Colbert, with the Daytona Beach Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army takes these things very, very seriously.”

Colbert said he was heartbroken over the incident.

“We’re in the business of helping people, so that there has been some inappropriate allegations being made, of course it causes great concern,” he said.

Colbert said the suspect left Salvation Army about three years ago and he wasn’t sure about the circumstances of Pepin’s departure.

Channel 9’s Myrt Price went to the suspect’s former home and talked with his neighbors.

Those who remembered him were shocked when word spread that he was behind bars and facing charges.

“He seemed like a real nice guy. He used to play the bag pipes for funerals for police officers and stuff like that,” said Roy Walker.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office believes there could be more victims out there and is encouraging victims to come forward.

Officials said he will eventually be transported to the Volusia County Jail.

WFTV