Ex-Pastor Accused in Northern Minnesota of Sex Abuse of Girl, 15

Star Tribune
March 10, 2012

http://www.startribune.com/local/142145623.html

The former pastor of a small Lutheran church in northern Minnesota has been jailed on charges that he regularly had sex with a teenage girl over whom he was in a position of authority.

The Rev. Darwin Frederick Schauer, 70, who led the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church of Lake George from 1998 until about 2006, was being held in the Hubbard County jail in lieu of $1 million bail or $750,000.

Schauer was charged last week with 15 counts of felony criminal sexual conduct with a minor teenage girl. The girl told police Schauer had sex with her twice a week from the spring of 2009 until late last month, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hubbard County District Court.

The girl told investigators that she was afraid Schauer would hurt her if she didn't comply. District Judge Robert Tiffany appointed a public defender, who did not respond to a request for comment.

Schauer's next court appearance was set for March 19. The church issued a statement saying, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the young victim of these horrific acts."