BishopAccountability.org
 
  Local Minister Accused of Felony Sex Abuse

KWQC
August 15 2010

http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=12983471

A local minister is behind bars and charged with sexual abuse. He lives in Davenport but runs a ministry out of a Bettendorf church, and has for several years. Police arrest 46-year-old Terry VanHoutan Saturday on several felony charges. The charges include two counts of sexual abuse.

For several years VanHoutan has been involved with First Baptist Church in Bettendorf. TV6 contacted the head deacon there. He says VanHoutan was licensed as a minister through the church, but was not an employee of the church or pastor of the congregation. VaHoutan was the leader of an adult ministry there, called Celebrate Recovery, for several years until his arrest. The group of 30-40 adults used the church facilities and met there weekly. VanHoutan did perform ministry duties such as baptisms, but he did not work with any children. Church members say his involvement with the ministry there stems from his many years as a member of the congregation.

VanHoutan pleaded guilty in 2001 to two counts of indecent exposure. When asked if a background check was done on VanHoutan, the deacon said he was not sure.

VanHoutan is being held at the Scott County Jail

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.