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GRAND RAPIDS -
A convicted sex offender is allowed to volunteer at a local church and now his roommate is charged with molesting one of the kids from the congregation.
Police say it never should have been allowed to happen.
43-year old Charles Apley is locked in the Kent County Jail, charged with fondling a 9-year old boy.
The boy was a friend of 68-year old Ronnie Dimmitt, a regular volunteer at Grand Rapids International Fellowship church. That is where Dimmitt met his family.
He was allowed to volunteer even though he has multiple sex-related convictions: third degree criminal sexual condust in 1981 and second degree in 1992. Both incidents involved children.
Apley is also a sex offender. He's charged with molesting a child at their home back in May.
According to police, Dimmitt became a friend of the family.
"This is a family that is a little new to the country," said Det. Dan Adams. "Which makes them a little bit more vulnerable, relies more on the kindness of strangers."
Adams says the church knew Dimmitt was a sex-offender.
Pastor Joe Knight said Dimmitt was not given access to kids and that the incident had nothing to do with his volunteering.
But children are prominently featured on their website and there's a large playset on the front lawn of the church.
Adams sits on a state committee that recommends policy changes for sex offenders. He says places of worship walk a fine line.
"It is a difficult spot for churches and faith-based organizations because you do not want to deny access to someone who had trouble in the past and is looking for counseling and support," said Adams.
No one answered the door at their home.
Anyone who thinks their child may also be a victim is asked to call Grand Rapids Police.
Dimmitt has not yet been charged with a crime.
Police say it never should have been allowed to happen.
43-year old Charles Apley is locked in the Kent County Jail, charged with fondling a 9-year old boy.
The boy was a friend of 68-year old Ronnie Dimmitt, a regular volunteer at Grand Rapids International Fellowship church. That is where Dimmitt met his family.
He was allowed to volunteer even though he has multiple sex-related convictions: third degree criminal sexual condust in 1981 and second degree in 1992. Both incidents involved children.
Apley is also a sex offender. He's charged with molesting a child at their home back in May.
According to police, Dimmitt became a friend of the family.
"This is a family that is a little new to the country," said Det. Dan Adams. "Which makes them a little bit more vulnerable, relies more on the kindness of strangers."
Adams says the church knew Dimmitt was a sex-offender.
Pastor Joe Knight said Dimmitt was not given access to kids and that the incident had nothing to do with his volunteering.
But children are prominently featured on their website and there's a large playset on the front lawn of the church.
Adams sits on a state committee that recommends policy changes for sex offenders. He says places of worship walk a fine line.
"It is a difficult spot for churches and faith-based organizations because you do not want to deny access to someone who had trouble in the past and is looking for counseling and support," said Adams.
No one answered the door at their home.
Anyone who thinks their child may also be a victim is asked to call Grand Rapids Police.
Dimmitt has not yet been charged with a crime.
