Former children’s ministry coordinator charged with sex crimes

Elementary school assistant principal Robert Yerton Jr. was placed on paid administrative leave last week. (photo by TulsaWorld.com)

The Tulsa World reports that an elementary school principal charged with three counts of sex offenses involving more than one child previously served as a teacher and coordinator of children’s ministries at Garnett Church of Christ:

The church’s lead minister, Greg Taylor, said his church is cooperating with police investigators who have asked for information about Yerton’s work history.
“The leadership — past and present — has no knowledge of any sexual misconduct by Robert Yerton during his tenure at Garnett Church of Christ, either as a staff person or a member of the church,” Taylor told the Tulsa World, noting that Yerton “left membership of the church” in 2007.
While Taylor was not an administrator at the church during Yerton’s time there, he said the church has “very strict policies” requiring staff members to undergo background checks and for multiple adults to be present in children’s classrooms at all times.
“We haven’t had any members or anyone else come to us,” Taylor said. “We are very open to the truth and to seeking what is right and true. Our primary concern is for the safety of children, and our thoughts and prayers are with the school involved in this, Skelly, and with everyone else involved.”

Question for readers: Does your congregation have procedures in place to protect children from potential predators? Please leave a comment.