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Child porn charges involve church boys' group

A Granite City man charged with child pornography was a leader in the Illinois Royal Rangers, a ministry of the Assemblies of God church.

Joseph Emil Klug, 29, was a staff member of the Frontier Group of the Royal Rangers and the leader of a Collinsville church's group. Klug was charged on Feb. 17 with child pornography after police said Klug put a video camera in a tent, recorded a boy masturbating, edited video clips and stills and sent it out over the Internet.

Illinois Royal Rangers Director Thomas Kesteleyn said he removed Klug when he heard the allegation on Feb. 9. Kesteleyn would not comment on whether the victim was a Royal Ranger.

"There is an ongoing investigation. This is now in the hands of law enforcement," Kesteleyn said.

The indictment stated Klug hid a mini video recorder in a tent. The indictment also sought the forfeiture of computer and video equipment and a green backpack with a hole cut in the front pouch.

Royal Rangers is an Assembly of God mission for boys from third to 12th grade that provides outdoor experiences coupled with Christian teachings. The group holds meetings, devotionals, camp outs and other outdoor activities. Boys can earn pins based on their mastery of certain skills.

None of the group's local leaders would comment.

Juleen Turner, the communications director for the national Assembly of God Church headquarters in Springfield, Mo., released a statement stating they couldn't comment on Klug because they didn't know about it. She said the church does offer a screening process for local churches.

"The Assemblies of God is firmly against this behavior and we urge our churches to carefully screen any volunteers who work with children," Turner said.

Turner suggested a call to the pastor of Klug's Royal Ranger ministry for further comment. Klug was listed as a Royal Ranger commander at the First Assembly of God Church in Collinsville.

Jeff Gowen, the church's minister, could not be reached at his church or home.

Klug remains in custody. His trial is scheduled for April 26 before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Reagan.

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