AUSTIN -- Churches are supposed to be sanctuaries and places of comfort.

But Austin police say 32-year-old Shane Flournoy violated that trust and more.

“We're looking at him as a serial child predator, child molester, based on his method of operation. How he'd seduce these young males, gain trust through their parents, through the church,” said Austin PD spokesman Greg White.

Flournoy worked as a dorm supervisor at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin. He allegedly confessed to molesting a 15-year-old student there.

11 News obtained the arrest warrant, which details how Flournoy allegedly offered $1,000 to the teen to see his genitals. Turns out, the boy had known Flournoy from when both lived in Houston.

“Many of his offenses occurred at the church or at the victims’ homes,” said White.

The Austin incident allegedly occurred in Flournoy's apartment, while his wife slept in another room. He eventually went to Austin police because the boy was demanding money and then reportedly admitted to a molesting several boys in Houston.

“Once the children were deep involved in this, he'd actually have his victims bring him more victims and pay him money for that,” said White.

Flournoy named several Houston churches where he volunteered, including First Baptist Church North Houston and Woodhaven Baptist Deaf Church. Both organizations confirmed his membership. 

The pastor at Woodhaven stressed, "He passed a background check. We have a policy that workers are never to be alone with the kids. There are two workers at all times,” said Pastor Arthur Craig. "There is no indication anything was wrong."

We are also told Flournoy is accused of taking advantage of MHMR patients.

Interestingly, police say Flournoy was surprised when he was arrested for the Austin incident because he didn't do much more than look. The official charge is an improper relationship.

Detectives say if the cases in Houston are true, they would qualify as aggravated sexual assault of a child.