The Conemaugh Township community is in shock after a former Somerset County teacher and school board member was arrested and charged with inappropriate conduct with a child.

Brian Eppley was also involved in his church and that's where police said the allegations first surfaced.

6 News talked with the pastor of Maple Spring Church of the Brethren in Jerome on Thursday, where Eppley served as a deacon for many years.

"On July 16 I was contacted by our youth and young adult coordinator who said she wanted to meet with me," said Rev. Guy Myers. "She conveyed to me that she had learned of inappropriate conduct with Mr. Eppley."

Eppley was arrested and charged with unlawful restraint and corruption of minors. Police said he's accused of taking a child into unoccupied rooms of the church, forcing him to remove his shoes and place his feet in Eppley's face.

"As the process was unfolding, we learned of other youth that the youth coordinator was not aware of," said Myers. "We learned that through an interview with Mr. Eppley."

That's when Myers said church officials went to police.

"Both the youth coordinator and myself have kept detailed notes of this whole process and the Conemaugh Township detective was very appreciative of that," said Myers.

Police said the inappropriate contact also happened at other locations in Conemaugh Township, including the Lions Club and the Historical Society.

After his arrest on Wednesday, Conemaugh Township Superintendent Gary Buchsen said Eppley resigned from his position on the school board. And Myers said Eppley was asked to step down from all leadership roles within the church.

But Myers said they do not plan to abandon him. He said they're concerned for Eppley and want to find him help.

"We will do our best moving forward to be an encouragement to him," said Myers. "We want to be a help to him."

Myers said most of the church congregation just learned of the charges against Eppley on Wednesday and many of them are in disbelief. He said he will address the entire congregation in church on Sunday.