GASTONIA — A former Stanley pastor has pleaded guilty to engaging in sex acts with two girls while in Haiti doing mission work in 2009.

Larry Bollinger was charged with two counts of sexual misconduct with minors last May. Federal indictments said he had sexual relations with the girls, who were 11 and 12 years old at the time.

The 67-year-old Bollinger cried in federal court Friday, thanking his wife for support and offering an apology. He faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for each count. A sentencing date hasn't been set.

Bollinger worked for a missionary organization while in Haiti. While there, he served on several committees including a photography team which was to take pictures of each of the more than 600 students.