Man 'raped mentally disabled girl in church and in front of his own son'

Accused: Joseph Averitt allegedly raped the girl 7 times

A former church worker has been charged with raping a mentally disabled girl at his place of worship - in front of his own son.

Joseph Averitt is accused of raping the 13-year-old girl at least seven times, the New York Daily News reported.

The 33-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly being caught sexually assaulting the child at New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida.

The girl reportedly told police that she had had numerous sexual encounters with the married man, the first of which occurred in one of the church's sanctuary booths in 

summer 2014.

(Source) She was also allegedly attacked at Averitt's home in Altamonte Springs and at a mall car park while his wife was shopping inside.

During that alleged incident, the accused's young son is believed to have been watching from his carseat in the back of the vehicle while crying, the girl told police.

According to Averitt's Facebook page, he has been married for just over two years.

The former production engineer for the church has been charged with eight counts of sexual battery on a mentally challenged individual.