Authorities were seeking more possible victims after an 80-year-old missionary was charged with sexually assaulting two girl under the age of 10 in Santa Ana, the Orange County District Attorney said Tuesday.
Douglas Dale Whinery, 80, of Tustin, was charged with four felony counts of lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, and a felony count of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger.
The DA said though Whinery was a former pastor and missionary, he was very active in several church communities when he allegedly committed the crimes.
He was involved with the Olive Crest Church in Santa Ana, Foothills Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, and Grace Church in Yorba Linda, making it possible he had access and relationships with young children, the DA said.
Whinery was accused of approaching the first victim on Nov. 7, 2011. The 10-year-old and her relative, an 8-year-old, were playing in a Tustin park. The DA said he "groomed" the victims by getting close to their families, giving them money, taking the girls to school, and inviting the children to spend the night at his home.
He was accused of performing oral sex on the victims while they were alone with him for about four years, between the time they first met and March 28, 2016.
It was on March 38 when the younger of the two girls told a family member what had happened.
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Whinery was arrested on suspicion of the sex crimes on March 30.
If convicted, Whinery faces 100 years to life in prison.
If anyone believes they may be victims are encouraged to contact investigators at (714) 347-8794 or (714) 573-3257.
