Roselle church says abuse by former deacon a 'terrible tragedy'
Leaders of the Living Hope Bible Church in Roselle say they are grieving after learning a former deacon faces charges for sexually abusing a young girl.
A statement released Friday by the pastors and elders of the church states that the senior pastor learned about the abuse on Aug. 30, and immediately reported it to police.
On Thursday, 51-year-old Timothy Peltz of Wheaton was charged with four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault after authorities said he repeatedly sexually assaulted a young girl over a 10-year period. Peltz admitted the assaults began when the girl was 3½, officials said.
Leaders said the abuse did not take place on church grounds or during any church activities and was "in no way associated with the church or Mr. Peltz's position with the church."
"We grieve with the victim and her family over this terrible tragedy and are committed to continuing to support and care for them," leaders said.
Peltz was removed from his position as deacon six months ago for reasons unrelated to the abuse, the statement said.
"We trust that the authorities will render full justice in this case," leaders said.