Deerfield Church Pastor Pleads Not Guilty to Child Sex Abuse
By Duaa Eldeib and Jim Newton
A pastor at an evangelical church in Deerfield was charged with the sexual abuse of a minor after he approached police and confessed to the inappropriate relationship, authorities said. The pastor, Samuel Kee, "just walked into the police station and said he had to confess to a crime," Deerfield Deputy police Chief Tom Keane said. "We had to kind of work backward and locate the victim and talk to the victim and build the case." Kee, 39, who has since resigned from the North Suburban Evangelical Free Church, appeared Wednesday in Lake County court, where he pleaded not guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Authorities said the allegations involve a 16-year-old girl who was a member of the church. Kee was charged Oct. 15, a day after police said he first contacted them. Ten days later, the church's Elder Board accepted Kee's resignation from his role as pastor of teaching and discipleship, according to a statement released by the church. The statement said the church could not provide further comment on the charges, adding: "Church officials are fully cooperating with the Deerfield police on their investigation." Kee is free from custody after posting 10 percent of a $300,000 bond. According to a court document filed by Kee's defense, he has asked to be allowed to clear out his desk at the church because the senior pastor requested Kee do so. One of Kee's bond requirements is that he have no contact with the church. A woman who answered the door Wednesday at Kee's Lake Zurich home said he was not there and declined to comment. Duaa Eldeib is a Tribune reporter; Jim Newton is a News-Sun reporter. Pioneer Press' Todd Shields contributed. Contact: deldeib@tribpub.com Contact: jrnewton@tribpub.com
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