Former Des Moines Youth Pastor Barred from Contact with Minors

Des Moines Register
August 9, 2013

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130809/NEWS01/130809002/-1/hawkeye_insider/Former-Des-Moines-youth-pastor-barred-from-contact-minors

Ryan Matthew McKelvey

A restraining order has been issued against the former Des Moines youth pastor who this week was accused of sexually abusing two teenage congregation members.

Ryan Matthew McKelvey, 27, was barred from contacting all minors and was ordered to stay away from all places where minors typically can be found, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

The restraining order also said McKelvey, who has a wife and young child, was allowed to see a specific minor, who was not named, only in the presence of the child’s mother.

McKelvey, who had served as a youth pastor at Heritage Assembly of God, 5051 N.E. Fifth St., was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation by clergy and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse. As of Thursday afternoon, he was being held in the Polk County Jail on $100,000 cash bond.

A 16-year-old girl and her parents reported the alleged abuse to police Monday. Another apparent victim was identified in the ensuing investigation.

A police report said McKelvey allegedly sexually abused the teens at his home and in his car, and one girl reported being abused in the kitchen of her home. Police said no incidents were reported at the church.