SARASOTA, Fla. — The founder of a well-known Sarasota church was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual assault on a child.
- Henry Lee Porter, 72, founded Westcoast Center for Human Development
- Porter a former bishop, investigated twice before by Sarasota Police
- More Manatee County stories
Henry Lee Porter Sr., 72, is being held without bond at the Sarasota County Jail. The former bishop founded the Westcoast Center for Human Development on North Washington Boulevard in Sarasota.
Sarasota Police launched an investigation into Porter in October 2019 after a resident posted a video to social media detailing years of alleged sexual abuse. Two more victims then came forward alleging that Porter sexually abused them at both the church and at his 47th St. home.
In addition to the three victims who came forward, investigators spoke with eight additional young men who all say they were victims of sexual assault at the hands of Porter.
All of the victims were boys, with the youngest reported victim 11 years old.
Sarasota Police have investigated Porter twice before — first in 1990, then again in the early 2000’s after receiving an anonymous letter identifying 40 alleged victims. The statute of limitations prevented any charges form being filed in either of those investigations.
It is not clear when Porter stepped down as the church leader. His son, Henry Porter II, has taken over as Pastor.