Founder of Florida's largest ‘megachurch’ accused of molesting four-year-old

Televangelist Bob Coy resigned in 2014 after admitting to having a pornography addiction

Pastor Bob Coy has been accused of abusing a child from a young age (YouTube/screengrab)

The founder of the biggest "megachurch" in Florida has been accused of molesting a girl from the age of four.

Bob Coy, former pastor of the Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, is facing allegations of abusing the child until she was a teenager.

The victim’s mother told police Mr Coy had forced the child to perform oral sex and he would regularly "fondle her”, according to the Miami New Times.

The mother first contacted Coral Springs police in 2015 but according to the news outlet, documents showed officials failed to take action before dropping the case at the request of the girl.

The victim is reported to have told police she “found forgiveness” following an “experience with God” after reporting the alleged abuse.

In 2014, the televangelist resigned as senior pastor at the church after admitting to having multiple affairs and an addiction to pornography.

Mr Coy was never charged with a crime regarding the abuse claims and "lay low" after leaving the church, according to the newspaper.

He declined to discuss the child abuse case, but maintained he is innocent and passed a polygraph test to prove it.

“I can't discuss it on the record. If you're foolish enough to go through with this story... it would hurt a lot of people," he said.

Mr Coy, who previously worked in the entertainment industry - which included a stint at a casino and strip club - founded the church in 1985.

The Evangelical megachurch now has a congregation of around 10,000.

In response to the molestation allegations, spokesperson for the church Michael Miller, told The Independent: "Our church was saddened to hear of the allegations made against Bob Coy years after his resignation and departure as senior pastor.

"We learned of this report after it was disclosed and reported to the appropriate authorities.

"We take every allegation of abuse seriously and our prayers are with all those involved as they pursue redemption and healing.

"Because this is a personal matter, any further questions would be best addressed to Bob Coy himself."

The Independent has been unable to locate Mr Coy for comment.