Restraining Order Issued against Ex-Youth Pastor Accused of Sex Abuse

By Joel Aschbrenner
Des Moines Register
August 8, 2013

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130808/NEWS01/130808032/Restraining-order-issued-against-ex-youth-pastor-accused-sex-abuse

A restraining order has been issued against the former Des Moines youth pastor who this week was accused of sexually abusing two teenage congregation members.

Ryan Matthew McKelvey, 27, is barred from contacting all minors and is ordered to stay away form all places where minors typically can be found, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

The restraining order also said McKelvey, who has a wife and young child, is allowed to see a specific minor, who was not named, only in the presence of the child’s mother.

McKelvey, who had served as a youth pastor at Heritage Assembly Church, 5051 N.E. Fifth St., was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation by clergy and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse. As of Thursday afternoon, he was being held in the Polk County Jail on $100,000 cash bond.

One of the alleged victims, a 16-year-old girl, and her parents reported the abuse to police Monday. Another victim was identified in the ensuing investigation.

According to a police report, the McKelvey allegedly sexually abused the teens at his home, in his car and in one their kitchens. Police said no incidents were reported at the church.

McKelvey allegedly told one of the victims that “if you tell anyone you won’t be able to be part of the ministry,” according to a police report. He told the other in a text message not to report the alleged abuse or he could go to jail, police said.

Police and church officials have not said how long McKelvey had worked at the church or what his specific duties were.

According to the police report, the church’s pastor, Rev. James Snow said McKelvey was fired for laziness and “spending too much time with female juveniles of the church,” though Snow said he had no suspicion that McKevely was behaving inappropriately with teens.