This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Lake Villa Youth Worship Leader Charged with Criminal Sexual Assault

On January 31, 2014 the Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested Matthew J. Harder, 18, of the 1000 Block of Barberry Ln in Round Lake Beach for having inappropriate sexual contact with two juvenile victims.  Harder is a youth worship leader for the Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church at 43 W Grass Lake Rd in Lake Villa.

On January 25, 2014 two female victims reported to the church that, on separate occasions, Harder had inappropriate sexual contact with them while driving them home from church.  Harder admitted to Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives he indeed was involved in inappropriate sexual contact with both of the victims.

Harder was charged with criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Find out what's happening in Libertyvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Harder’s jail bond was set at $250,000.00.

Harder is scheduled to appear in court on February 5, 2014.

Find out what's happening in Libertyvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We are requesting anyone who has additional information or who has been a victim of Harder’s to contact our non-emergency communications center at 847 549 5200.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?