Minnesota Pastor Charged With Sex Crimes Against Minor
Luverne Zacharias allegedly pursued one girl for 15 years
The leaders of Christian Family Church in Owatonna, Minnesota, allegedly knew that Luverne Zacharias, one of their pastors and a teacher/principal at their El Shaddai Christian School, had been abusing middle school girls in the school basement and his church office, according to recent court documents.
When one of the girls who was abused by Zacharias for years complained to church leaders Tim and Cherrie Peterson, they said they would hold Zacharias accountable. They urged her not to contact the police, saying that would hurt her abuser’s family. And then Zacharias continued in his pastoral position at the church.
But shortly after the victim went to local police in 2022, Zacharias resigned from his position as campus pastor, citing “poor choices” in a farewell sermon that the Petersons asked congregants not to record. (Some members recorded it anyway.)
Now, Zacharias, 46, has been charged with six felony sex crimes that allegedly took place from 2006-2009, including abusing his position of authority, sexual touch, and penetration.
Additional victims have also come forward, according to reporting by Owatonna People’s Press.
The victim who went to police in 2022, identified as “Victim 1” in the criminal complaint, says Zacharias started abusing her on church and school premises beginning in 2006 when she was about 14 up until she graduated in 2009, according to court documents. He allegedly said things to her such as “I think you are beautiful,” “you’re like my kryptonite,” and “I can’t control myself around you.” More than a decade later, in 2019 and 2021, he contacted her again, asking for oral sex and nude photos.
Some church members came forward saying the Petersons tried to “restore” Zacharias. They also held a “reconciliation” meeting between Zacharias and the parents of one of his victims.
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Christian Family Church has declined to comment and has not posted any information about the Zacharias case on its website.
Zacharias’ attorney unsuccessfully requested that the case be dismissed. A hearing is scheduled for May 30.
Main photo: Luverne Zacharias / Facebook
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