Minnesota Pastor Arrested, Accused of Possessing Child Porn
KSTP
Authorities have arrested a 47-year-old pastor after searching his Pine City home and a Cottage Grove church during a child pornography investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says William Leonard Helker was arrested Wednesday at his home on the 15000 block of Copper Canyon Road in Pine City. The arrest came after BCA agents with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed search warrants on October 26, at Helker's home and All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove, where Helker is a pastor. Helker was arrested without incident and was booked into the Pine County Jail on suspicion of possessing pornography involving minors, the BCA said. Members of the church say they found out about the arrest via email Wednesday night. They say Helker worked with kids conducting first communion and confirmation classes, but worked with adults as well. "Is this pretty startling to hear this? Oh yes, oh yes. I'm really shocked, really shocked. He's an up front guy, has always been since he started preaching there, and I really liked him, really like him. I see him at social events too, he comes to social events we have through the church," says church member James Corbin. All Saints Lutheran Church released a statement saying, "We are aware of the arrest of William Helker and he was placed on administrative leave yesterday. We are concerned and ask prayers for all affected and will cooperate fully with law enforcement. We are committed to providing safe spaces for all children and youth at All Saints and in the community." Church members have been told there will be a meeting about the arrest at church on Sunday. Homeland Security Investigations and the Pine County Sheriff's Office assisted in executing the search warrants. The BCA says its investigation is active and ongoing. Charges in the case are pending.
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