After a two-month long investigation, a former church volunteer, Julio Andres “Andy” Castillo has been arrested on charges that he sexually abused two young boys. The brothers, now adults, came forward to police in January alleging that close family friend, Castillo had been sexually abusing them for years. The investigation also uncovered photos of Castillo’s attic where he had built a secret sex chamber specifically for molesting the boys.
The attic, only accessible by a ladder, contained a bed modified with rings so that ropes could be used to tie his victims down during sexual acts. Rope was also found in an attic drawer. The alleged abuse included numerous sexual acts, masturbation, oral sex, and “strange massages.”
According to prosecutors, Castillo would sometimes tie up the older boy’s arms or legs while sexually abusing him.
The family of the two boys considered Castillo a close friend, entrusting him with keys to their home and unfettered access to his victims. Castillo had also accompanied the family on vacations where, on at least one occasion, he was caught sharing a bed with the boys. While confused, the parents of the boys didn’t find this occurrence troublesome because of their close relationship with Castillo, and wrote it off as a symptom of the man’s quirkiness and possible loneliness. As such, what should have been a clear call to action was instead dismissed and the abuse permitted to continue. The younger boy told police he had been sexually assaulted by Castillo four times between the ages of 7 and 12.
The family was emotional as they discussed the depth of Castillo’s betrayal. They claim the boys were abused right up until the night before Castillo’s wedding, which the family attended.
Castillo’s wife, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child begged the judge for her husband’s release.
“I need him – I love him and I trust him,” she said.
The victim’s mother pleaded with the judge to “not give [Castillo] an opportunity to harm another child.”
Castillo is currently out on an $80,000 bond with conditions that he have no contact with any children other than his own. His weapons and passport had to be surrendered to police. He will be permitted to travel to Charlotte when his wife gives birth, but otherwise cannot leave South Carolina.
No trial date has been set at this time.
Featured image screengrab via video.
