CICERO, Ill. (AP) - Suburban Chicago police say a youth minister is facing charges for sexually assaulting at least six children - and they believe more victims may come forward.
Cicero Police said Wednesday that Juan David Ferreras is charged with criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a child, battery and other crimes.
Authorities say the 43-year-old engaged in sexual conduct with at least six juveniles between the ages of 9 and 17 while he was a youth minister, photographer and teacher at Sonido De Alabanza Church. They suspect the crimes occurred at the church, his Cicero apartment and camps in Ingleside and Tiskilwa, where he ran youth retreats.
It wasn’t immediately clear if he had a lawyer.
The church says it is cooperating with authorities and is praying for victims.
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