Church defends its actions in abuse case

The pastor of the Wauconda church where a teenager is alleged to have abused young girls attending a day camp said the church cooperated fully with police investigations.

Pastor Charles Merkner of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church said officials there have given the Lake County sheriff's office all information requested in the case of Zachary Carlson.

Carlson, 17, has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing two children -- ages 7 and 8 -- who were attending a day camp where he was a counselor.

"This is just heartbreaking for everybody," Merkner said. "We are very concerned about the allegations."

Merkner said Carlson was contracted to work in the Messiah Kids' Club Summer Camp. The camp is not related to the church preschool or before- and after-school activities, he said.

Sheriff's police have said the church refused to turn over addresses of campers, forcing them to get a grand jury subpoena. Merkner denied that.

"We follow a policy of openness and complete disclosure," he said. "(Police) didn't ask for any (names or addresses). We weren't holding anything back."

Merkner said the church contacted police Aug. 28, the day after they learned of the allegations. He said Carlson was immediately removed from his position as camp counselor.

"He was gone, so he couldn't come back," Merkner said.

Sheriff's officials were unavailable to respond to the church statements Tuesday.

But police previously said the church, which is legally obligated to report all child abuse allegations, did not report them to the state Department of Children and Family Services.

Merkner said church officials thought since police were working with DCFS that was unnecessary.

"They were working in conjunction with DCFS," he said. "They said they would take it from there."

Church officials said in a press release Tuesday that Carlson "has maintained his innocence throughout this process … We emphasize these are only allegations at this time."

In the press release, officials said they will hold an open forum Sunday at 11:45 a.m. at the church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, to discuss the issue.