Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Mugshot of Yersson David Solarte Basto (DOB: 12/22/1991) arrested Wednesday, May 7, 2025, by the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia on felony warrants out of Sanford on sex abuse allegations involving minors. The inside of the church.
LEFT: Locator Map with red pointer of the Ipul Pentecostal Church at 2921 S. Orlando Dr, STE 178, Sanford, Florida.
BELOW: Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith reacts to the arrest of the former pastor and concerns about other possible child victims.
HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
SANFORD, Fla. -- Sanford Police investigators have arrested Yersson David Solarte Basto, 33, on charges of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation, following allegations that he engaged in inappropriate conduct and sexually touched and/or assaulted two underage females.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred as described by Sanford Police: On April 10, the Sanford Police Department received a report of an inappropriate relationship between Solarte and two juvenile victims. During the investigation, it was determined that Solarte Basto did create or attempt to create an improper relationship with the victims, did inappropriately touch the victims, and sexually assaulted one of the victims.
It was revealed that the incidents occurred at Ipul Pentecostal Church located at 2921 S. Orlando Dr, STE 178, Sanford, where Solarte was the pastor.
Following these allegations, Solarte was removed from his role as Pastor. Both victims were members of the Ipul Pentecostal Church. As a result of the investigation, Sanford Police investigators issued a warrant for Solarte’s arrest.
Sanford Police investigators coordinated with local and out-of-state agencies to arrest Solarte, who was believed to be on a family trip. On Wednesday, members of the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia arrested Solarte on a warrant.
The former pastor will be transported back to Sanford's John E. Polk Correctional Facility, pending first appearance before a circuit judge on the felony case against him.
Sanford Police issued the following statement of thanks for law enforcement cooperation: "We extend our gratitude to the Prince William County Police Department for their expedited assistance in this matter. Due to Solarte's position of trust as a pastor, there is a possibility that there may be additional victims who have not come forward yet."
Regarding this arrest, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith stated: “People like this are a special class of criminal who use their position of trust to prey on innocent victims. Solarte is now behind bars where he belongs. We pray there aren’t any additional people who have been victimized by this man. If anyone has information about these crimes or other victims, come forward and help protect our children.”
Regarding this arrest, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith stated: “People like this are a special class of criminal who use their position of trust to prey on innocent victims. Solarte is now behind bars where he belongs. We pray there aren’t any additional people who have been victimized by this man. If anyone has information about these crimes or other victims, come forward and help protect our children.”
Call In Crime Tips
Investigators ask anyone with information about this crime or who feels that Yersson David Solarte Basto may have victimized them not to hesitate to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or visit http://crimeline.org.
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