Monks Charged With Sexual Assault Of A Child

KEYE TV News, Texas/July 25, 2006

Johnson City -- Five monks at the Christ of Hills Monastery in Blanco County have been charged with sexual assault of a child.

Four monks are in jail following a raid at a Blanco County monastery. A fifth monk is also charged, but is already in jail for indecency with a child.

According to the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, William Hughes--also known as Father Vasili; Walter Christley--also known as Father Pangratios; Hugh Brian Fallon--also known as Father Tihkon; Samuel Alexander Greene, Jr.--also known as Father Benedict and Jonathan Hitt--also known as Father Jeremiah have been charged with sexual assault of a child and organized criminal activity.

Greene and Hitt are also charged with sexual performance of a child.

Greene is the founder of the monastery. In 2000 he pleaded guilty to sexual abuse charges of a minor, and was sentenced to 10 years of probation.

Hitt was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Both men apparently molested the same novice monk in that case.

The suspects are due in court on July 31.

The monks are being held in the Blanco County jail. Bail is set at $250,000.