Youth Pastor Charged with Sexual Abuse

By Laura Nichols
KCCI
August 7, 2013

http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/youth-pastor-charged-with-sexual-abuse/-/9357080/21369012/-/8claa9z/-/index.html

DES MOINES, Iowa —A youth pastor was charged with sexual abuse Tuesday.

Ryan McKelvey, 27, of Des Moines, is charged with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist.  McKelvey was booked into the Polk County Jail on Tuesday night.

Des Moines police said they were contacted on Monday by a girl and her parents regarding a sexual assault. The girl reported the suspect in the incident was McKelvey.

Police said that during the investigation it was discovered there could be a second victim. Investigators made contact with the second female, also a juvenile, and confirmed inappropriate sexual incidents had occurred with her as well.

McKelvey was a youth pastor at Heritage Assembly of God church at 5051 Northeast 5th St. in Des Moines.

Church confirmed to KCCI that McKelvey was a pastor there.  Church officials said they were devastated by the news.

"We are diligently working with law enforcement on this case. As you can imagine, our prayers and concerns go out to the families involved," read a statement sent to KCCI by the church.

Pastor James Snow is the pastor of Heritage Assembly of God. He said he was stunned and saddened to learn about the accusations against McKelvey.

"We're just concerned for the families. We're just praying for them right now in this difficult time," said Snow.

Snow said McKelvey was immediately fired from his position as youth pastor, and the church is working closely with authorities on the investigation.

"We've just worked hand-in-hand with them the entire process and they have been excellent to work with," said Snow.

Police reports outline the accusations made against McKelvery.

One girl told police her relationship with McKelvery started with snuggling and turned into much more. She said the most recent incident happened this Monday -- when McKelvey came over to her home, pushed her up against the refrigerator and began rubbing and kissing her.

"Anytime there is any type of sexual abuse when it involves a juvenile it is shocking to anybody who hears that, but of course when it involves somebody in a position such as clergy or a therapist or a counselor, it is more shocking," said Des Moines police spokesman Sgt. Daniel Blom.

Police reports show one girl told police her relationship with McKelvey began in May. She even went on to say that McKelvery texted her -- asking her not to tell anyone or he would go to prison.

McKelvey is being held in the Polk County Jail pending bail of $100,000.