Ex-youth minister is arrested in sex assaults

A former Camarillo church youth minister has been arrested on suspicion of child molestation and sexual assault of three teenage girls and possession of child pornography on his home computer, authorities said Friday.

Mark Holland McDowell, 46, was arrested at his Camarillo home Thursday in connection with the molestation and sexual assault of the girls when they were 13 and 14 between 1991 and 1999, authorities said. He was released on $50,000 bail.

McDowell met the girls while he was serving as youth minister at the Camarillo Church of Christ, authorities said.

Ventura County sheriff’s detectives are concerned that there may be other victims because of McDowell’s former position at the church. Anyone with knowledge of other crimes should call the department at (805) 654-9511 or (805) 477-7000.