Westlake Village pastor arrested for lewd conduct





A pastor of elementary ministries in Westlake Village returns April 24 to Los Angeles Superior Court for a preliminary hearing on charges that he engaged in lewd acts with two teenage boys.


Timothy Bayne Bernstein, 41, pleaded not guilty at his April 3 arraignment in Malibu Court to 10 felony charges of lewd acts with a minor. The acts allegedly occurred between 1987 and 1991 while Bernstein was a volunteer with Calvary Community Church.


Bail was set at $500,000.


One of the boys said he was a victim at various times between the ages of 13 and 15, according to Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Gina Satriano. The other boy was under 14.


Satriano said Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station received a report on Bernstein’s activity within the last year. Bernstein surrendered himself to authorities March 30.


"It’s hard to tell what the outcome would be in a case like this until I have all the information on the case," Satriano said.


Despite the statute of limitations, prosecutors were still able to file charges because of the nature of the crime and evidence that was submitted.


"We are in prayer for any families who may have been impacted by these alleged events," the church said in a statement. "We trust that the judicial process will provide us with further insights and factual information that will allow us to make appropriate decisions with wisdom and discernment in order to best care for the many people who call Calvary their home."


Bernstein began as a part time employee in Calvary’s summer camp program in 1991 and was later promoted to director of ministries for elementary children. The church placed Bernstein on administrative leave following his arrest.


– John Loesing



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