Church elder accused of touching boy

AVON, Ind. (WISH) - A former community mentor and Kingsway Christian Church elder is accused of sexual assault. Daniel Keller was charged with three counts of criminal deviate conduct after allegations of performing sexual acts on a 16-year-old.

“I think that he could be considered a danger to our community,” Detective Lt. Sean Stoops said. “The suspect in this case was very good at what he did. He was very good at manipulating the 16-year-old boy.”

The charges Keller faces stem from incidents that reportedly occurred in 2007. A then-16-year-old boy said he was groomed for several months leading up to sexual acts at Keller's home, a home in Avon that police say was a popular hangout for teens.

Court documents allege Daniel Keller performed oral sex on his daughter's male friend. The friend was only 16.

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 victims said Keller told him told him not to tell.

Keller is also the director of operations for a McDonald's franchise. Police say both outlets were avenues for contact with young boys, and they fear he may have abused others.

At 23, the victim confided in a friend who belongs to Kingsway Church. That friend told church leaders and church leaders told police.

And now, police hope others will come forward if they've been harmed by Keller.