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| NewsMonday, May 7, 2007 5:30 PM CDT |
Accused minister faces more sex charges
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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