Pastor Accused Of Sexual Conduct With Teen At Church: Reports

SLEEPY EYE, MN — A pastor in southern Minnesota is accused of sexual conduct with a teen at church, according to media reports.

Nathan Van Alfred Luong, 36, was charged last week with third-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with events that occurred while he was working at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye, according to the Marshall Independent.

Luong told a person who then told police that Luong had sexual encounters with a 17-year-old at church and on a trip to Montana in late 2019 and early 2020, KMSP reported, adding the victim said the enounters occurred at church and at Luong’s residence when she was 17 and 18.

Luong’s sperm and the girl’s DNA were found after couch covers in the church’s youth room were tested, according to the Independent, which reported Luong and the girl exchanged rings and vows in church.

Luong most recently worked as a pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, KMSP reported. Any other victims are asked to contact Sleepy Eye police, according to the Independent.