The director of youth ministry at the First Congressional Church of Dundee has been accused of having sexual contact with a minor in early June. The contact reportedly occurred at the church and the minister has been taken into custody.
The accused minister is a 31-year-old male from Elgin. His arrest has been confirmed by the senior pastor at First Congressional Church of Dundee which declined to say how long the youth minister had been an employee. The senior pastor said the church was unaware of any allegations of sexual contact made against the minister before the time of his arrest on Tuesday. The church reports that it is cooperating with police during their investigation and that the church’s priority is justice for those involved.
The church has placed the minister, who was in charge of youths between sixth and 12th grades, on leave. Detailed information about the alleged victim, including the victim’s age, have not been released nor have the specific charges against the minister been disclosed.
If substantiated, these claims will truly be tragic. Parents entrust ministers with the care and education of their children and should never find their children to be the victims of a sexual predator. Unfortunately, cases like this occur often in Illinois. The sad fact is that many child predators seek positions that allow them access to children in an unsupervised capacity, either by working with a church, being a coach of a sports team, or even a teacher in a public or private school.
At Abels & Annes, we have represented many children and adults who have been sexually abused by adults in a position of power. Though our representation we have sought relief against churches, school districts, bus companies, and nursing homes, to name a few. We understand the complicated nature of these claims as well as how sexual abuse can cause lifetime injuries.
Our experience helps us understand the full nature of a sexual abuse claim. That is why we work so hard for each and every one of our clients. With our experience and understanding regarding sexual abuse, we know that victims deserve legal representation that will fight for their rights.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our team of Chicago sexual abuse lawyers will provide you with a free telephone consultation 24 hours a day. We have an attorney standing by at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 to help you understand your case and your rights. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or if your child has suffered at the hands of an adult, call us and let us help you today.
Prior Blog Entries:
Many Boaters Still Operate Under the Influence Despite Risks, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 5, 2013.
CTA Bus and Dump Truck Collide, Seriously Injuring CTA Worker, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 3, 2013.
Resources:
Youth minister accused of sex assault of minor, by Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, published July 4, 2013.