Phoenix Mosque Leader Accused of Molestation

Updated: Thursday, 22 Dec 2011, 5:39 PM MST
Published : Thursday, 22 Dec 2011, 5:39 PM MST

A FOX 10 Exclusive

PHOENIX - A high ranking Muslim leader is behind bars, arrested by Phoenix Police on suspicion of molesting a 10-year-old boy.

This guy is an imam, the highest ranking leader at a central Phoenix mosque.

Police say after his arrest he admitted to molesting a young boy. Still, members of the mosque are defending him.

“Everybody loves and respects him, I’m sure this must be some mistake,” says mosque member Jamil Aziz.

As news of the imam's arrest spread through the Muslim Community Mosque, members refused to believe it.

“It’s unbelievable to even think that because he’s caring to all the children here. Many children come in here,” says Aziz. “I’m sure it must be some mistake because his character here is spotless.”

54-year-old Muhammad Aziz Shah is accused of molesting a 10-year-old boy. Police say it happened two different times earlier this week inside a central Phoenix home.

According to court paperwork, the 10-year-old told his mom about the touching and she called police. The boy said he pretended to be asleep when Shah went into his room.

Detectives say Shah admitted to the victim's mom that he'd inappropriately touched the boy while the boy was sleeping. Then the imam confessed to detectives too.

Shah has been the imam at the Muslim Community Mosque for about 10 years. They currently have about 500 members.

Right now, Shah is being held without bond. Police say he told the victim's mom he was planning on leaving the country.

Police say they don't have evidence of any other victims.

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Phoenix Mosque Leader Accused of Molestation

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