by JANIS REID

Whidbey News-Times Staff Reporter

A man who turned himself into police late last month was charged with first-degree child molestation this week, according to documents on file in Island County Superior Court.

Michael Walker Hurley Sr., 65, of Orcas Island, allegedly admitted to Oak Harbor police that he inappropriately touched more than one child, and that at least one incident occurred on Whidbey Island, according to court documents.

Arraignment for Hurley is not yet set, according to the clerk’s office.

Hurley’s son and three other men, all who said they are pastors in Washington state, accompanied Hurley to the police department, said court documents.

Hurley allegedly admitted his actions to his son, and the other men and said,  “This has been going on for about a year; he needed some help, and he was having a difficult time controlling himself,” according to court documents.

One of the alleged victims told her relatives that Hurley kissed her a lot and told her she would go to jail if she told anyone about it.

Hurley also allegedly admitted to touching more than one child “on their privates,” court documents said.