Youth pastor at Quincy church facing sexual abuse of juveniles, pornography charges

QUINCY — A youth pastor at a Quincy church was arrested on Tuesday on sexual abuse and pornography charges.

An investigation began in January after law enforcement agencies were contacted by a parent of a juvenile who had disclosed possible sexual abuse by a youth pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, 1739 Harrison. During the investigation, multiple juveniles were interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center about alleged abuse by the pastor at the church. 

An arrest warrant was issued Feb. 24 for Isaiah W. Mikkelson, 22, of 3304 Wynstone Drive for multiple counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault involving several juvenile victims while Mikkelson held a position of trust, authority or supervision over them. The initial bond on the warrant was set at $200,000.

Detectives with the Quincy Police Department, assisted by the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, found Mikkelson Tuesday and conducted a traffic stop south of Quincy on Illinois Route 57. Mikkelson was taken into custody on the arrest warrant without incident. He was transported to the Quincy Police Department, were he was interviewed by detectives. Mikkelson was lodged in the Adams County Jail.

Mikkelson appeared in the Adams County Court on Thursday. Two charges of child pornography were filed, and his bond was raised to $250,000. Mikkelson posted $25,000 bond on Friday and was released. His next court date is March 20.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Det. Taylor Dralle at the Quincy Police Department at 217-228-7710.