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Last updated on Friday, November 9, 2012
(AVON) - Avon police say more victims have come forward in the case of an Avon Christian church elder accused of having sex with boys.
Jay Hermacinski, of WISH TV8 reports, last week, Daniel Keller was charged with three counts of criminal deviate conduct after allegations of performing sexual acts on a 16-year-old. Avon police say the incident took place in 2007.
Since the arrest, police say more victims have come forward.
"The victims coming forward now are much younger, starting as early as 12 years old," said Detective Lt. Sean Stoops, Avon PD.
Stoops says the latest victims claim Keller engaged in sex with them when they were only 12 years old. The allegations date back to 2000 when Keller lived in the Ben Davis area of Indianapolis. Police are also investigating claims of child abuse that took place during camping trips in Owen County.
"Two (additional) victims have come forward and given credible statements. We still have one who was on the fence about reporting obviously for personal reasons" said Stoops.
Court documents allege in 2007 Keller performed oral sex on his daughter's 16-year-old male friend.
Documents say Keller, a former elder at Kingsway Christian Church, made the teen perform sexual acts after watching homosexual porn. The victim alleges Keller pushed him against a dryer and pulled his pants down.
The then 16-year-old told police he never came forward because he was afraid. The victim said Keller told him told him not to tell.
Keller is also the director of operations for a McDonald's franchise and a community mentor. Police say Keller hired some of his victims to work in the restaurants.
Detectives say Keller would groom his victims or gain their trust before showing them homosexual porn and engaging in sex with the boys.
"Dining out was a popular one in this case, buying clothes was popular in this case," said Stoops.
Police say when Keller and his family lived in Indianapolis, he would reach out to families in need and open up his home to the families. It was another way Keller gained access to his victims.
Police expect more victims will come forward. Keller is currently out on bond.
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