The Fort Myers Police Department has arrested a former local preacher alleging he molested children who were in his care.
Police charged 53-year-old Russell Brown with three counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery. He was a preacher for the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in east Fort Myers. Investigators say he resigned in May after sexual abuse allegations prompted by several church members.
Fort Myers police spokeswoman Shelly Flynn says detectives are investigating six instances of sexual molestation that occurred between 1999 and 2005.

“We’ve learned that there are approximately six children, ages 10 to 11 years old when the crimes occurred. And recently one of the victims who is an adult now came forward and alerted us.”

The crimes allegedly occurred at Browns’ home where he watched the children after school. Southwest Florida Crimestoppers called Brown one of its top fugitives in Lee County. Officials thought he might have fled Florida but his attorney coordinated his surrender Monday night. Flynn says he faces three life sentences if convicted.