This story has been updated with new information.

Mark Molina, a former chair of the Springfield Utility Board who also ran for a seat on the Springfield City Council in 2022, was charged Wednesday, Aug. 27, with three counts of first-degree sex abuse.

Springfield police arrested Molina on Tuesday after investigating a report from early August about possible sexual abuse involving a child, Springfield Deputy Chief George Crolly said Wednesday.

Molina on Thursday, Sept. 11, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police arrested Molina after an interview with the child and additional investigation. The child was known to Molina, Crolly said, and court records state the child was under 14 at the time the sexual abuse occurred.

Molina, who remained in the Lane County Jail as of Wednesday, Aug. 27, began serving on the Springfield Utility Board in 2021. He resigned in September 2024 before completing his four-year term. He ran unsuccessfully in 2022 to represent Ward 5 on the Springfield City Council.

According to biographical information posted online, Molina also previously served as a pastor at Living Waters Church in Springfield.