Detectives say 53-year-old Robert James Duke walked into the Church of God in Liberty Addition and sat down behind a unidentified 9-year-old girl.

Duke's registry on the State Police Web site spells out his prior crimes, including 10 counts of sexual abuse and sexual assault on three boys.

The church's pastor, speaking exclusively with West Virginia Media said he knew about the man's past and that parishioners watched closely over his actions and interactions with children.

That foresight saved the innocence of the 9-year-old girl.

Harrison County Prosecutor Joe Shaffer said a man sitting next to the young girl saw what Duke had written. Shaffer said he instantly took the note from the girl before she had a chance to read it.

Shaffer said witnesses told investigators Duke then left the church on a bicycle and headed home. Police officers checked his Clarksburg home and found Duke overdosed on prescription medication.

Rescue crews rushed Duke to United Hospital Center and later, Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he stayed until late Monday. At that time, authorities in Monongalia County made their arrest.

Duke is in the North Central Regional Jail on $25,000 bond. He faces charges of showing explicit material to a child and could also spend time behind bars for repeat offenses.

Shaffer told West Virginia Media he intends to pursue the toughest penalty possible and will not accept a plea bargain in the case. He said he expects to present the case to the Harrison County Grand Jury as early as May.