Youth Minister Accused of Sex Assault of Minor

By Clifford Ward
Chicago Tribune
July 3, 2013

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/elgin/chi-youth-minister-sex-assault-charges-20130703,0,7183364.story

The youth minister of a West Dundee church has been accused of sexual contact with a minor at the church, the Kane County State's Attorney's office announced Wednesday.

Chad A. Coe, 31, of the 500 block of Dundee Avenue in Elgin, with criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, prosecutors said.

Coe, who authorities said is the director of the youth ministry at the First Congregational Church of Dundee, is accused of having sexual contact with a person younger than 18 at the church between June 10 and 14, according to a press release from the state’s attorney’s office.

Officials did not say whether the minor was a participant in one of Coe’s youth programs, but did say Coe was “in a position of trust and/or authority” over the alleged victim.

The mother of the alleged victim contacted police, prosecutors said.

The church’s senior pastor, Aaron James, confirmed that police took Coe into custody Tuesday. James said no one at the church was aware of any allegations involving Coe before the arrest, and that the church was cooperating with law enforcement.

The church has placed Coe on administrative leave, the pastor said.

“Our first and only priority is justice for those involved,” said James, who declined to say how long Coe had been associated with the church.

The church website identifies Coe as the director of the church’s ministry for young people in grades six through 12.

Authorities said the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kane County Child Advocacy Center at (630) 208-5160.

Coe is due to appear in bond court on Thursday.

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