Cottage Grove Pastor Arrested In Child Porn Case
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Officials say a pastor at a south metro church was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possessing child porn.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says 47-year-old William Leonard Helker, of Pine City, was taken into custody without incident at his home.
Agents with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force made the arrest following a search of Helker's home and All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove, where he serves as pastor.
Helker was booked into the Pine County Jail, pending formal charges.
The All Saints Lutheran Church released this statement Friday:
"We are aware of the arrest of William Helker and he was placed on administrative leave yesterday. We are concerned and ask prayers for all affected and will cooperate fully with law enforcement. We are committed to providing safe spaces for all children and youth at All Saints and in the community."
