Church Says Its Not Involved in Child Luring Cases, Rosie Barresi, KKTV, May 1, 2009

Church Says It's Not Involved in Child Luring Cases

By Rosie Barresi
KKTV
May 1, 2009

http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/44177182.html

[with video]

PLAY VIDEO: Bus Following Kids?

A Colorado Springs church is denying a connection with reports that children from nearby schools are being approached by strangers as they walk home.

Russell Middle School is where one student was approached. School District 11 says they've had reports of church members driving around and trying to get students to get in a van.

"We found out that a young lady was followed, as she described, and then approached by someone and then the person told her to get in the van," said School District-11 Director of Communications, Elaine Naleski.

Naleski says the parents of that girl filed a police report. The district says they did not make a report because the incident did not happen on school property. "Wow, really? So, it sounds pretty serious," said Gary Vanderpool who is a District-11 parent.

There have been several reported incidents at three different schools in the district, all within blocks of one another. "It's been going on for more than just a few days," said Naleski.

The district says they are getting the word out about the suspicious incidents by sending letters to parents, letting them know what's going on and encouraging them to talk to their kids about strangers.

At this point the school and parents seem to have more questions than answers. "What is the point? That's scary," said Christie Fletcher who is a District-11 parent.

There are claims that Cornerstone Baptist Church, less than a mile from Russell Middle School, may be behind it. But the church released a statement Friday evening saying, "We do not encourage or allow such conduct."

The church's Assistant Pastor, Ford Glover, says they are cooperating with Colorado Springs police on their investigation.

Cornerstone Baptist Church was sued back in 1997 for baptizing children without their parents permission.

This is the text of church's statement released Friday:

We are aware that a complaint has been filed with the police regarding an unknown woman encouraging children to sit with her in a vehicle. As a church we believe in keeping children safe and we would never encourage or allow such conduct. We do not know who this woman is at this time and she may not even be a member of our church. We are cooperating with the police, and as a local church any efforts to promote the welfare and protect the safety of children in our community is deeply appreciated.

Email Address: rbarresi@kktv.com