ROCKFORD (IL)
Rockford Register Star
By MIKE WISER‚ Rockford Register Star
ROCKFORD — A former Rockford youth pastor is free on bond after turning himself in Monday on charges of allegedly fondling a 17-year-old girl at his ministry.
As a condition of his bond, Bradley Bounds, 28, is not allowed to have any contact with anyone younger than 18. He is charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault.
Bounds was hired five years ago as student ministries pastor at Rock Church, 6732 Harrison Ave., and was fired Aug. 24, when he returned from a vacation, two days after officials learned of his alleged misconduct.
Winnebago County Chief Deputy Sheriff Kurt Ditzler said detectives started an investigation Oct. 15 after an anonymous tip reached the Illinois Department of Family and Children Services by way of the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center.
That tip came from Rock Church’s senior pastor, the Rev. John D. Sprecher, whose daughter Rachel is married to Bounds.
