Elgin Pastor Charged With Sexually Abusing Child He Knew

ELGIN, IL — A pastor at Iglesia Apostólica de Elgin (IAFCJ) church in Elgin is accused of sexually assaulting a young child he knew and who he "held a position of trust and authority over," prosecutors said Thursday. Elizandro Salazar Montoya, of the 1 to 99 block of Lord Avenue in Carpentersville, is charged with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony, in connection with the allegations.

Authorities say Salazar Montoya sexually assaulted and sexually abused the young child between Nov. 1, 2018 and Dec. 1, 2010. He allegedly knew the victim, who was younger than 18 years old.

Salazar Montoya appeared Thursday in Kane County bond court. His bail has been set at $300,000. If he is released from jail, he is prohibited from having contact with the victim or the victim’s family or having any contact with anyone younger than 18 years old, according to a news release from the state's attorney's office.

He is also barred from coming within 500 feet of the victim’s residence or from being within 500 feet of the church. In addition, he must relinquish his passport and cannot leave the state of Illinois, prosecutors said.

Meanwhile, the case remains under investigation and anyone with additional information that could aid investigators should call the Kane County Child Advocacy Center at (630) 208-5160.

Salazar Montoya is next expected in court on Oct. 25