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St. Cloud, FL – A former foster parent and youth pastor is facing a staggering 24 counts of sexual battery by a custodian following allegations involving two girls who had been under his care, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

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Daniel Lamppin, 40, was arrested Tuesday night and booked into the Osceola County Jail. Authorities say Lamppin held a managerial position at a Chick-fil-A on South Orange Blossom Trail and served as a volunteer youth pastor at Connection Church on Generation Point in Kissimmee.

“It’s sad and it’s sickening,” said Osceola County Sheriff Marco Lopez during a press briefing on the case. “We’re dealing with someone who was placed in a position of immense trust, both in the foster care system and in the church community.”

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The sheriff’s office launched an investigation in November 2024 after a 15-year-old girl came forward with disturbing allegations. She reported that Lamppin sexually abused her between the ages of six and eight while she was in his care as a foster child. The girl also reported an incident of physical abuse.

While pursuing the investigation, detectives identified a second alleged victim — a woman who is now an adult but was also once in Lamppin’s foster home. Her family reported that she began suffering abuse within days of entering the home. The sheriff said the sexual abuse began when she was 16 and continued for years.

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Lamppin was taken into custody at the sheriff’s office on Tuesday and escorted in handcuffs to the Osceola County Jail. When asked by reporters whether he committed the crimes, Lamppin replied simply, “No.”

Despite his denial, Sheriff Lopez emphasized concerns that more victims may be out there.

“Given Lamppin’s roles as a foster parent, youth pastor, and his employment involving minors, we are deeply concerned there could be additional victims,” Lopez said. “This investigation remains open, and we strongly encourage anyone with information to come forward.”

Authorities are urging anyone who may have been affected by Lamppin’s actions to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

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