Authorities: West Dundee Youth Minister Had Sex with Minor

By Harry Hitzeman
Daily Herald
July 4, 2013

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130703/news/707039745/

Chad A. Coe

A 31-year-old youth minister at a West Dundee church has been charged with having sex at the church with a minor.

Chad A. Coe, of Elgin, was arrested Tuesday night and faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. Coe, the director of youth ministry at First Congregational Church of Dundee, was arrested after the youth's mother alerted authorities, according to the Kane County state's attorney's office.

Coe, of the 500 block of Dundee Avenue, is charged with using his position of trust and authority to have sex with a minor between June 10 and 14, prosecutors said.

He is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, authorities said. The youth is between 13 and 17 years old, according to court records.

Aaron James, the senior pastor at the church, 900 S. Eighth St., said Coe has been placed on administrative leave and the church is "cooperating fully with every aspect of the ongoing investigation."

James said church officials became aware of the charges Tuesday when Coe was detained and are praying for every one involved.

"Our first and only priority is justice to all who are involved," said James, who declined to answer any questions or elaborate.

Anyone with more information is asked to call the Kane County Child Advocacy Center, which investigates crimes against children, at (630) 208-5160.

A message left for the center's Director Debra Bree was not immediately returned Wednesday.

Coe is due in bond call Thursday morning.