Overview
Andrew Haines, a youth pastor at Fox River Lutheran Church in Illinois, has been indicted on multiple felony child sex abuse charges but remains listed as a staff member months after his arrest. The alleged incidents involve a girl under 13, and church and Haines have so far not provided substantive public comment.
Arrest and Charges
- Andrew Haines was arrested on November 9, 2023, for five felony counts: four of predatory criminal sexual assault and one of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
- The charges relate to alleged abuse of a girl under 13 in October 2019 and from late August to late September 2023.
- Haines has pleaded not guilty and was released on home confinement.
Employment and Church Response
- Haines remains listed as a staff member at Fox River Lutheran Church as of publication.
- He has served as both youth pastor and music director for several years.
- The church and other staff have not responded to repeated requests for comment from the media.
- Haines, using a church email, requested information on who tipped off the reporter but did not comment further.
Timeline and Background
- Haines first preached at Fox River Lutheran Church in November 2019 and was listed as youth pastor as of September 2020.
- He is also a musician and has performed at church events alongside other Christian artists.
Legal Proceedings and Media Coverage
- Several local news outlets reported on Haines’s arrest, but did not mention his church employment.
- A status hearing for Haines’s criminal case is scheduled for April 19 in LaSalle County Circuit Court.
Community and Public Reaction
- Comments reflect debate over presumption of innocence, church transparency, and journalistic standards.
- Some commenters criticize the church for not updating Haines’s employment status; others stress due process and privacy.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- November 9, 2023: Andrew Haines arrested.
- April 19, 2024: Status hearing scheduled for Haines’s criminal case.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Will Fox River Lutheran Church make a public statement or update Haines’s staff status?
- What will be the outcome of the April 19 court hearing?
- Will further details of the case or internal church actions be disclosed?