Police: Pastor paddled girl who claimed abuse

updated 6:22 p.m. ET May 12, 2006

ELGIN, Ill. - A pastor was charged with spanking a 13-year-old girl with a piece of wood because he thought she was lying when she said she was sexually abused by a relative.

Police said the Rev. Daryl Bujak struck the girl hard enough to cause bruises and welts after she was brought to him for counseling because her mother doubted the claims.

Officials said they believe the girl's allegations of sexual abuse, and this week authorities in McHenry County charged a 33-year-old man with abusing her from September 2003 until March 2005.

"It's unbelievable," said Lt. Mike Turner. "It's a sad case for this girl."

The mother said Bujak, pastor at First Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Chicago, told her the girl had acknowledged lying when they met between March and May.

"I feel terrible," said the mother. "I feel like a heel. I didn't know."

Bujak, who was charged with misdemeanor battery, surrendered to police Wednesday and was released after posting $500 bail. A message left Friday at the Elgin home of a Daryl Bujak was not immediately returned.

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