Grandville Youth Pastor Arrested on Sex Charges

WOOD
September 23, 2014

http://woodtv.com/2014/09/23/grandville-youth-pastor-arrested-for-sex-assault/

A former Grandville youth pastor was arrested after allegedly touching a teen girl inappropriately.

Police say Jeremiah Behrens used his authority as a youth pastor at Grandville Baptist Church, 4325 40th Street SW, to have an inappropriate relationship with the teen girl between the ages of 13 and 16.

A detective’s sworn statement included in court records says Behrens admitted to forming a strong emotional connection to a teen in his youth program that developed into hugging, kissing and touching between the fall of 2012 and earlier this year. Behrens at one point touched the girl’s chest under her clothing when they were in the church kitchenette, the statement says.

The statement says Behrens exchanged emails with her and at one point wrote, “we had gotten too close and inappropriate things happened.”

Behrens, 34, was arraigned Monday on charges of second-degree and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct because of his position of authority and the teen’s age, according to court records. He posted bond and was released from custody. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Leaders at Grandville Baptist Church say Behrens was fired. They say they are heartbroken and that the congregation is praying for the victim and her family, as well as Behrens and his family.

The church says it is cooperating with the police investigation and that there are no other victims.

The Grandville Police Department is asking that if anyone has any further information on this case to contact Detective Darin Rietman at 616.538.3002 ext. 740.