A pastor in Inola has been arrested following allegations of sexual assault by three children.
Roy Shoop, 55, pastor of the Cowboy Gatherin' Church, was taken into custody by Rogers County Sheriff's deputies Wednesday.
Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton said his investigation began with an allegation sent to his office by the Mayes County Sheriff's Office, and eventually uncovered three children claiming that Shoop molested or raped them in his home.
"These three girls, all under the age of 16, lived in different locations, have no relationship between each other, although their stories are all very similar," Walton said.
Walton said an arrest warrant was issued for Shoop on Wednesday on two counts of rape by instrumentation and six counts of lewd or indecent proposals to a minor. Walton said Shoop was uncooperative during and after the arrest, and that his wife and son attempted to deceive and obstruct deputies at the family residence.
"It's just disappointing to see people in these positions, in leadership positions in a church, act like everyday, normal criminals," Walton said. "We'd expect that from any other thug on the run."
"It's been a disappointment to see that from somebody in a position of trust, who's looked up to and respected as Roy Shoop was or is," Walton said.
"In a small community, you expect more out of a man who professes to be a preacher and a leader of a church."
Walton said it's likely that Shoop assaulted other victims, and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Rogers County Sheriff's Office at (918) 342-9700. He said parents whose children have had any contact with the Shoops should sit them down and try to determine if they were victimized.
"Some of those poeple will think, 'Brother Roy just wouldn't do something like that.' But I hope they make their decisions based on facts and testimony," Walton said.
Walton said Shoop was released from the Rogers County Jail after posting $300,000 bond, but that he remains under surveillance and was shackled with an ankle monitor bracelent.
The Shoops and Cowboy Gatherin' Church did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A video posted to the church's Facebook page appears to show Shoop delivering a sermon as recently as this Sunday.
