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	Police Won't Seek Woman Who Touted God to Teen By Carlyn Ray Mitchell The Gazette May 6, 2009 http://www.gazette.com/articles/girl-53126-police-church.html An unidentified woman who reportedly proselytized a 13-year-old girl walking to a relative's home after school last week is not being sought by police and committed no criminal offense, police said Wednesday. The girl told police she was three blocks from Russell Middle School the afternoon of April 28 when a van pulled up next to her as she crossed the street, said Lt. David Whitlock, police spokesman. A woman got out of the van, approached the girl and asked, "Would you like to learn more about God? If you'd like to learn more about God, come over to my van." The girl said, "No," and the woman handed her a brochure. The girl told the woman she would call the police if she didn't leave her alone. "None of those things constitute a crime," Whitlock said. The girl was not touched, offered anything in exchange to come back to the van nor forced to take the brochure, Whitlock said. Under Colorado law, intent is a key factor in determining whether to charge someone with child enticement, a Class 4 felony that carries a possible sentence of two to six years in prison. Enticement of a child is defined as trying to invite or persuade a child younger than 15 to enter a vehicle, building, room or secluded area with the intent to commit sexual assault. It would be a Class 3 felony with a possible sentence of four to 12 years in prison if the person is a repeat offender or the child suffers bodily harm. In the past week, school officials and parents have blamed Cornerstone Baptist Church for the recent incident involving the woman driving the van and similar ones in the area. Colorado Springs School District 11 officials said proselytizing near Russell had been an issue for more than a week. After Thursday's incident was reported, children from two nearby elementary schools - Keller and Fremont ¬- also reported that people from a church approached them in recent weeks as they walked to and from school. The church denies any involvement in the April 28 incident. "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," said Ford Glover, assistant pastor of the church.
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