Arrest Warrant Issued for Lawton Youth Minister Gary Weise on Child Sex Abuse Charge

A felony arrest warrant was issued Friday in Comanche County for Gary Weise, 64, a longtime Lawton youth minister accused of sexually abusing a boy who lived in his home as a child. According to the warrant affidavit, the accuser, now 33, told Lawton Police Detective Abe Woelfel that the abuse began when he was 10 years old. The two met through Sunday school at Bible Baptist Church, and the accuser says the abuse happened on more than one occasion while he was living with Weise.

Weise, a retired Army veteran, lists himself as a teacher and evangelist at Cameron Baptist Church. He has not been arrested, and a $250,000 cash warrant bond has been set. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. According to the affidavit, the accuser decided to come forward after learning that two young boys are currently staying at Weise’s home.

The case raises difficult questions for families across Lawton about how churches screen and supervise the adults who work with children. This story is developing, and we will update it as court proceedings move forward. Have you talked with your family about how your church vets youth volunteers? Let us know in the comments.