Iowa Youth Pastor Faces Sex Abuse Charges Against Juvenile

A youth pastor at Heritage Assembly of God church in Des Moines faces several charges related to sexual abuse of two teenage girls. 

KCCI reports that Ryan McKelvey, 27, of Des Moines, faces two counts of third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist.

One victim told police that it began with snuggling and progressed to kissing and hugging with no clothes on. Police told KCCI that he took advantage of his position within the church to connect with the girls and abuse them, but they don't believe any incidents took place at the church. 

Heritage Assembly of God church is located at 5051 Northeast 5th St. in Des Moines. McKelvey no longer works for the church. 

McKelvey was taken to the Polk County Jail and held on $100,000 bond.