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Camp counselor denies molesting young girls

A former counselor at a church day camp accused of molesting two young girls pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Zachary Carlson, 17, faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted of both charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Reginald Matthews said Carlson, of 400 N. Main St., Wauconda, worked this past summer as a counselor at the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church camp in Wauconda.

While there, Matthews said, Carlson molested two girls, ages 7 and 8, who were attending the camp.

Lake County sheriff's police said Carlson convinced the girls the abuse was part of a game.

The girls' parents contacted the church, which in turn notified police.

Carlson, a senior at Wauconda High School, was arrested at the school Dec. 14.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman scheduled a trial of the case for April 21 and ordered Carlson to appear in court Feb. 29.

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