Elgin, Illinois - Iglesia Apostólica de Elgin Pastor Elizandro Salazar-Montoya Accused of Sexually Abusing a Minor

Iglesia Apostólica de Elgin (IAFCJ) Pastor Charged with Child Sex Abuse

A pastor for the Iglesia Apostólica de Elgin (IAFCJ) church in Elgin has been charged with sexually abusing a minor in 2018. 46-year-old Elizandro Salazar-Montoya was arrested on Thursday, October 17 and charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault.

According to the police, Salazar-Montoya knew the victim and was in a position of trust and authority over the victim. He was acting as a pastor at Iglesia Apostólica de Elgin (IAFCJ) at the time of the alleged abuse. Prosecutors believe the abuse occurred between November 1 and December 1 of 2018.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Kane County Child Advocacy Center and the Elgin Police Department and remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case has been asked to call the Kane County Child Advocacy Center at 630-208-5160.

Salazar-Montoya is currently being held on a $300,000 bond and has a court date scheduled for October 25.

Legal Recourse For Church Sex Abuse Victims & Their Families

Attorney contributor Brian Kent represents victims of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits, including those who have been sexually abused by pastors and other clergy members. Brian has offered to share a few of his thoughts on the legal rights of those who have been sexually abused in religious organizations:

Sexual abuse in religious organizations is a widespread problem affecting a wide range of organizations and denominations. Sexual predators often seek out positions as religious clergy, where they use their positions of trust to sexually abuse members of their congregations. Victims of clergy sexual abuse deserve justice and may have multiple ways to find this justice through the legal system.

Sexual predators in religious organizations can be brought to justice in criminal courts, but civil lawsuits can also play an important role in this process. In some cases, the abuse may have been prevented if not for negligence by the religious organization – such as covering up previous allegations of sexual misconduct involving the perpetrator. In cases involving negligence, the victims and their families may have grounds for a lawsuit against the church.

If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse in a religious organization, you can learn more about your legal rights by contacting one of our experienced sexual abuse victims lawyers for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://wgntv.com/news/elgin-pastor-arrested-accused-of-sexual-abuse-of-minor/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/ct-ecn-elgin-pastor-charged-child-sex-assault-st-1018-20191017-a524o552tjbadb6iv3azg7zvvi-story.html