Pastor of Hinsdale church arrested

HINSDALE -- With their pastor arrested in an undercover prostitution sting, members of his Hinsdale church are planning a new future for the congregation he helped create.

The sermon Sunday at Trinity Presbyterian Church focused on forgiveness. Many of the congregation's 125 members brought food for the Rev. Phillip Haltom and his family. And while Haltom's missteps were not mentioned and he was not present, the themes of sin, repentance and atonement rang through the service.

The 52-year-old Haltom was one of five men snared in an online prostitution bust last week. An undercover female officer posted an online ad offering sex last month. Haltom allegedly responded, and was arrested when he arrived at the agreed location in St. Charles.

A telephone call to Haltom's home early Monday was not answered.