ECPI University Student Arrested for Sexually Abusing Minor When Volunteering for Northwest Baptist Church

A man currently enrolled at the East Coast Polytechnic Institute (ECPI) in Virginia has been booked into the Alachua County Jail for sexually abusing a minor a decade ago while volunteering at Northwest Baptist Church in Gainesville. 

According to the sworn complaint, the victim’s parents were allowing Casey Ashton Phillips, 31, to drive her to church. On at least two occasions, Phillips drove the victim into a the back parking lot of Northwest Baptist and coercively raped her.  

The incidents occurred in 2014 or 2015 when Phillips was 20 or 21 and the victim was 14. 

In December 2024, the victim confronted Phillips on Facebook and he said “I should never done that. Or asked you to do things. I was in a leadership role and I took advantage. I am sorry.”

Phillips later joined the Navy and pursued a career in nursing at ECPI. 

Sheriff’s Office Deputies charged Phillips with two counts of sexual battery in January and his warrant was served in April. 

Phillips made a motion to reduce his $300,000 bond last week.

Judge James Colow granted the motion Thursday and set Phillips’ bond to $225,000.