Moore church employee, former substitute teacher, charged with multiple lewd acts against a minor
MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) — A Moore man is being accused of forcing a child to commit lewd acts.
Moore Police arrested 69-year-old Walter Friesner Junior on Tuesday at Moore First United Methodist Church where he worked as the kitchen manager.
According to police the arrest was the result of a six-month long investigation involving one child, but they're working to find out if any more were involved.
According to an affidavit, the case dates back to July 2021.
A 12-year-old girl and her mom told police Friesner Jr. allegedly forced the child to commit multiple lewd and indecent acts.
Prosecutors said Friesner made the girl "hold up her shirt" while working at the church.
In addition, he's being accused of forcing the 12-year-old girl to inappropriately touch him while driving her home.
Friesner also allegedly forced the girl to reveal different parts of her body on multiple occasions.
Church leaders telling News 4 in a statement,
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Walter "Buddy" Friesner, Kitchen Manager was arrested while working at Moore First United Methodist Church. Moore Police Department has booked him into the Cleveland County Jail, accused of lewd acts. There are allegations that it occurred at Moore First in July 2021. The person in custody who worked here is on suspension without pay. He will not be allowed on campus. We take matters like this very seriously and have policies to address issues like this. We're praying for everyone involved.
Statement from Moore First United Methodist Church
Friesner also faces a count of indecent exposure. Court documents said while working as a substitute teacher in 2020, Friesner took an inappropriate picture of himself while sitting behind a desk and sent it to a female friend.
Police said students were in the classroom at the time.
We asked Moore Police which school this happened at, but they would not tell us.
News 4 went to Friesner's home and his wife spoke to us over their ring camera.
"I am in Colorado so I don't think we'll be able to help you," she said.
Police said they uncovered the evidence against Friesner after searching his home and social media accounts.
Friesner faces four counts of lewd acts to a minor under 16 and one count of indecent exposure.
If you have information about additional victims, contact Crime Stoppers of Moore and Cleveland County at 405-793-5160. You can remain anonymous.