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NewsMonday, May 7, 2007 5:30 PM CDT
Accused minister faces more sex charges
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UPDATED 5 p.m. BLOOMINGTON -- James C. Love, a substitute teacher at Twin City schools and a minister at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, was arrested a second time Monday afternoon on charges that he molested children.

Love, 37, was arrested Monday on charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery for administering an anesthetic agent for other than medical purposes.

Love was released from jail Saturday after posting $10,000 on similar charges.

Bloomington police spokesman Duane Moss said the new allegations relate to two more victims.

“Our detectives interviewed two more victims today who came forward so he’s been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and two counts of aggravated battery,” said Moss. The students who are minors were allegedly molested within the past five weeks, said Moss.

Bloomington police spokesman Duane Moss said “this is an ongoing investigation. We are still doing interviews and still trying to determine if there are any other victims.”

In addition to his role as a fill-in teacher and minister, Love works at State Farm Insurance Cos., Moss confirmed.

District 87 Superintendent Robert Nielson said Saturday that the alleged molestation took place off school grounds. He said police have prepared school officials for the possibility that more victims may be identified.

Nielsen disclosed Monday that Love started working in District 87 schools in 2002 as a volunteer with a State Farm program that provides substitute teachers without cost to schools. The program known as SLATE, State Farm Learning and Teaching Exchange, allows teachers to attend conferences and professional development programs. Love later was hired as a paid substitute, said Nielsen.

John Pye, Unit 5 assistant superintendent of operations and human resources, confirmed Monday that Love volunteered through the State Farm program and was a paid substitute in the district. Love has substituted a total of 27 times since 2005, the majority of the time at the junior high level, said Pye.

State Farm spokesman Jeff McCollum declined to confirm if Love works for the insurance firm.

McCollum said the SLATE program has been very popular with school districts. State Farm employees undergo a criminal background check through the school district before they enter the classroom, he said.

Love was recognized in January for his role in mentoring youth. Ernestine Jackson with Bloomington’s human relations department, said Love was nominated for the award given “to people that exemplify the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King.” She said she did not know firsthand the details of the Love’s mentoring activities.

Moss asked parents and others who may have information on the case to contact Bloomington Police Detective Michael Burns at 434-2457.

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Reader comments on this story - 32 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

to irish mom #65.. wrote on May 9, 2007 11:40 AM:

" I don't have issues, I have ties. And stop using the irish name as a supporter of this man. Please! "

to irish mom from me again wrote on May 9, 2007 11:37 AM:

" I don't have issues, I have ties!!!!!! "

To: to Irish mom from irishmom#65 wrote on May 8, 2007 8:44 PM:

" Obviously you missed the point that people shouldn't be judgemental. Especially those on here that have posted comments and never met the man or his family. Seems like you took my comment way too personally. You must have issues. It's not "attitudes" like mine that "screw" things up. I just would prefer to see what the facts are before I form a belief about a person. Let's not lose sight here of what is important; just as we have a right to freedom of speech in this country, this man has a right to a trial with an impartial jury. Hmmmmm...... "

TO: RECOMMENDED wrote on May 8, 2007 3:45 PM:

" I do have first hand knowledge and I would elaborate more, but I must not be allowed to because this is my 3rd attempt to respond to you!!!! No misleading information at all here! "

Crybaby wrote on May 8, 2007 1:31 PM:

" We're all innocent. That is, until we're investigated. "

To Wonder wrote on May 8, 2007 1:12 PM:

" I am a single woman with no kids of my own. I mentor teenagers both in a group and one on one. As an abuse survivor myself, I know the horror that results from being molested. It is always with me. So I would never, ever take advantage of a child that way. But people like you and the others that have agreed with you think that I shouldn't spend one on one time with other people's kids. I love kids, however I have been unable to have my own. I'm not the only single person who does this. Not every person without kids that works with them is a child molestor! "

"A little right" or "A Little Wrong" wrote on May 8, 2007 12:46 PM:

" There is no such thing as a little right or a little wrong. No matter how nice a person is, or how prominent he/she may be in this community Mr. Love is accused of violating the innocence of several children. Does his religious faith make exhonorate his alleged actions? NO. I consider myself a religious person, but I find these accusations disturbing. I am all for due process taking it's course, but I also want people to understand that if these allegations are true, stop thinking that this is someone who couldn't possibly do something like this, and start thinking of this as the beginning of Mr. Love getting the HELP he so desperately needs. Whether true or false, a lot of prayer and healing are going to be needed. But there is no such thing as a little right and a little wrong. This type of behavior if true is simply wrong. If you don't think so then do like I did and imagine if it were your child, and tell me how you'd feel. "

I wonder wrote on May 8, 2007 12:30 PM:

" If he went to church on Sunday... "

TO: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURS! wrote on May 8, 2007 11:58 AM:

" Have you ever heard of parents taking responsibility by reaching out for help? I'm sure that every child Mr. Love was associated with wasn't spending every weekend with him or ever spent one night at his home!!! He has a teenage son himself that these boys found as a friend and he was also involved with their activities! It wasn't just some parents trying to put their children off on some strange man!!! Some people on here that are sitting back, and don't know anyone involved in this situation, should stop assuming they know so much!!! Congratulations on having a child that must be perfect and you haven't ever had to ask for any help in guiding them!!! "

take responsibility for yours! wrote on May 8, 2007 11:39 AM:

" If a child gets molested, I don't believe in punishing the parents....and as it stands, these are alleged charges, so no he is not guilty, but a full investigation should be done. In these days and times, parents need to be more involved in thier kids lives.....all these overnights visits should be a red flag, period. Know what your kids are doing, don't be so quick to let them go everywhere they want. Do your job and keep them at home. I have a teen boy and he doesn't get to spend the night somewhere every weekend. I am not concerned with what all the other kids are doing or what all the parents are allowing, I am responsible for mine. Sure it would be easier to let him go out all the time....but doing what's right is not usually the easier choice. Also, to have a mentor doesn't mean these children should be at the mentor's house, overnight. Wake Up!!!!! "

Recommended? wrote on May 8, 2007 11:24 AM:

" I'm sorry, I must have missed the parts of the articles where it said Mr. Love was recommended to the parents by the school district, and it seems that it would be strange for a school to recommend that troubled students be helped by a substitute rather than a full time faculty member. Nearly all the schools have social workers, counselors, or teachers who are trained to help troubled students - I very much doubt that the district officials steered parents towards Mr. Love to help their children. Unless it was printed or you have first-hand knowledge, please do not post things that might lead people to believe something that isn't true! "

to wonder and all who agree wrote on May 8, 2007 11:00 AM:

" I am absolutely outraged that you would group all youth ministry volunteers with this guy. I have volunteered with my church's youth ministry for many years and even took kids on overnight camping trips. I would NEVER hurt a young person...EVER!!! You wonder why adults spend time with kids? It's called volunteering!!!!! I am happily married with 2 kids of my own. I feel my kids are fortunate to have both parents involved in their lives. Some kids don't have that. I take extreme pride in the fact that kids come to me when they have a problem and I, a responsible adult, can be there for them instead of a friend that might lead them in the wrong direction. Grow up and quit being so ignorant. "

TO: TO WONDER wrote on May 8, 2007 10:28 AM:

" This is a man that was recommended to parents by school officials to help children that were having problems! They were stepping up, asking for help with getting them on the right track!!! Not every child is fortunate enough to have their father or positive male role model in their life!!! These parents cared a great deal about their children and with recommendations from a school that he substituted at, why would any parent feel the need to check into him further? We aren't talking about sending our kids to Michael Jackson's to play at his amusement park or visit his zoo, we're talking about trying to teach our children values in life! He is highly upheld in this community and I agree that it's going to have to be dealt with through the courts, but the more allegations that are coming out, it's not looking good! I'm praying for ALL of the children that are affected by this, not only the ones that are reporting the abuse, but all of the children over the years that have been mentored by him and are now very confused! I'm praying for you too Coach! "

to: to wonder wrote on May 8, 2007 9:41 AM:

" IT DOES NOT MAKE A PARENT A BAD PARENT TO HAVE SOMEONE THAT MENTORS THEIR CHILD! Just as all people helping children are not abusing their position. "

to one irish mom to the next wrote on May 8, 2007 9:38 AM:

" some of us are on a different side of the fence.. you'd have to jump over to shut me up. "

to wonder: wrote on May 8, 2007 8:33 AM:

" i agree!!!!!..... but some people do it to be nice their are unfortunately some parents who do not care about their own children!sad! "

Case like this hurt everybody. wrote on May 8, 2007 8:30 AM:

" Almost every "older" person is a suspect. Children are rightly taught to watch out for strangers but even people who genuinely love children AS CHILDREN and not sex objects have to be very careful. When a pedaphile is in a trusted position, it becomes even more vexing because normal people feel they can't even watch children play anymore. It's the price we all pay. What evil lurks in the minds of pedaphiles? How and why? Beyond understanding! The older I get the more evil I see and to watch innocent children at play, study or discovering the world is a joy I miss. Anyone who is evil with them or exposes them to evils deserve any punishment they get. Their actions live in their victims' minds all their lives. I knew a woman in her 80;s who forgave her childhood molestor but could never forget. The effects are incalculable! "

To Irish Mom wrote on May 8, 2007 8:28 AM:

" In The United States of America we speak when we want to. People with attitude like yours are what screws up everything. Tell me to shut up and you will get a ear full... "

To wonder: wrote on May 8, 2007 8:21 AM:

" Don't be so quick to judge. I was a volunteer youth worker for over 12 years with a local church. I went on many camps and overnight events with a great number of kids. During this time I enjoyed my time talking and interacting with all members of the group. I hope this doesn’t put a serious obstacle it making sure the youth of the area have adult role models and mentors that help them in their faith journeys. Having said that, I hope that Mr. Love gets a fair trial, but if found guilty, receives the maximum penalty that can be given. Using a position of authority over a minor is absolutely hideous and should never be permitted or allowed to continue. "

Incredible wrote on May 8, 2007 6:32 AM:

" Thank God for the honest people that do want to spend time with children; where would some of us be right now if there were not people involved in youth programs across the country. Neither Mr. Love's place of employment or religious affiliation has anything to do with this; amazing how people lose focus so easily. What is important is that the truth, whatever it is, comes to light. "

to criminal background wrote on May 8, 2007 2:33 AM:

" psych testing isnt any more accurate then anything else... if you state the question wrong or dont understand it the whole test is spoiled and you could end up putting a stigma on someone for life when really they are fine... and also people lie on those tests... they are not going to stop anything from happening unless the person is really stupid and knows nothing about what he is doing... i have a psych degree now but even before i did i was able to beat a psych test "

I Agree with: Wonder wrote on May 7, 2007 10:36 PM:

" I too have always believed if certain adults pay waay more attention to children than they do to other adults, chances are they could be pedophiles. "

to: wonder wrote on May 7, 2007 8:42 PM:

" i agree "

Criminal background? wrote on May 7, 2007 8:38 PM:

" I don't think it is enough what about PSYCHOLOGICAL background...... Would that make sense?? Some teachers would be "clean" then get in a position of trust where they would hurt others.. Sad... "

irishmom#65 wrote on May 7, 2007 8:00 PM:

" Things are not always what they seem. Frankly I am disgusted by the judgemental comments people are making. The man is COOPERATING. These things are ALLEGED. Shut up and let the system work. "

Just me wrote on May 7, 2007 7:59 PM:

" I was skeptical when there was only one person but now that more come forward I am not sure..... I pray that God will help all those who are involved in this situation. If it turns out to be true then I hope he gets what he deserves, if it turns out to be false I am not sure how he will ever get this stigma off of his head. "

to :-0 wrote on May 7, 2007 6:31 PM:

" I agree with you, the consensus seems to be free the minister and hang the cop - go figure! Everyone needs to step back and wait for the real facts to emerge at the trial. No one knows for sure and innocent until proven guilty. "

:-0 wrote on May 7, 2007 5:10 PM:

" I find it interesting that no wants to condemn this man just yet…However everyone in town is ready to hang that pelo guy. Both are people who possibly abused their position. The only difference I see is one has a religious constitute which somehow gives leeway...especially in bond setting. Where is the mug shot also? The pantagraph always puts them up, and I’ve yet to see one for this cat. "

Verdict Not In wrote on May 7, 2007 4:26 PM:

" After seeing so many other "crimes" reported in the Pantagraph and elsewhere turn out to be much ado about nothing, I'm not ready to condemn this guy. But if he DID do this, he should be put away for a long, long, time. Not the slap on the wrist we usually see "first offenders" get. It doesn't get much lower than taking advantage of your position of trust and authority. Unless it's using dope to make it easier. "

good luck wrote on May 7, 2007 4:20 PM:

" they can't even direct traffic - I spent 25 minutes at the intersection of empire and veterans today and the officer on call was doing nothing, then a second officer came to the scene and they stood there talking to each other instead of directing traffic. I called the BPD and they said that officers were on the scene, when I told them they weren't doing anything he said that the third officer on the way had equipment. Hope it was 3 pairs of gloves and 3 whistles!! "

wonder wrote on May 7, 2007 1:55 PM:

" I am suspicious of people who want too spend all their time with children who are not relatives. Should be a red flag in my opinion. "

??? wrote on May 7, 2007 1:07 PM:

" The bond should never have been set so low in this case when you factor in the "doping". This crime if it was committed had malicious intent written all over it. Also, a church-going state farmer...I feel a little safer being a country companies atheist. "

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