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	Accused Minister Faces More Sex Charges By Edith Brady-Lunny The Pantagraph May 8, 2007 http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/05/08/news/doc463f5be9c6382337229030.txt Bloomington — Two more children have come forward to say they were abused by James C. Love, a substitute teacher at Twin City schools who has been honored for his work with children. Love, originally arrested last week, was picked up again Monday afternoon on additional charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery for administering an anesthetic agent for other than medical purposes. Love, 37, had been released from jail Saturday after posting $10,000 on similar charges. Bloomington police spokesman Duane Moss said the new allegations relate to two more victims. "Our detectives interviewed two more victims today who came forward, so he's been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and two counts of aggravated battery," said Moss. The minors were allegedly molested within the past five weeks, said Moss. In addition to his role as a fill-in teacher and minister, Love works at State Farm Insurance Cos., Moss confirmed. "This is an ongoing investigation," he said. "We are still doing interviews and still trying to determine if there are any other victims." Love worked at schools in both District 87 and in Normal-based Unit 5 and is a minister at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. He was honored earlier this year by the Bloomington human relations commission for his work in mentoring youth. District 87 Superintendent Robert Nielson said Love started working in District 87 schools in 2002 as a volunteer with a State Farm program that provides substitute teachers without cost to schools. The program known as SLATE — State Farm Learning and Teaching Exchange — allows teachers to attend conferences and professional development programs. Love later was hired as a paid substitute, said Nielsen on Monday. On Saturday, Nielsen told the Pantagraph that the initial alleged molestation took place off school grounds. He said police prepared school officials for the possibility that more victims may be identified. John Pye, Unit 5 assistant superintendent of operations and human resources, confirmed Monday that Love volunteered through the State Farm program and was a paid substitute in the district. Love has substituted a total of 27 times since 2005, the majority of the time at the junior high level, said Pye. State Farm spokesman Jeff McCollum declined to confirm Love's employment, but said the SLATE program has been very popular with school districts. State Farm employees undergo a criminal background check through the school district before they enter the classroom, he said. Love was recognized in January for his role in mentoring youth. Ernestine Jackson with Bloomington's human relations department said Love was nominated for the award given "to people that exemplify the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King." She said she did not know firsthand the details of the Love's mentoring activities. Moss asked parents and others who may have information on the case to contact Bloomington Police Detective Michael Burns at (309) 434-2457 Contact: eblunny@pantagraph.com
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