Grand Marais Evangelical Free Church releases statement regarding arrest of youth church leader

The Grand Marais Evangelical Free Church released a statement Sunday following the arrest of Micah Avery, a church member and youth leader charged with coercion and sexual conduct involving a 15-year-old female parishioner.

“The board of the Grand Marais Free Church confirms that Micah Avery was a member of the congregation and served as a volunteer in our Youth Program during the period leading up to his arrest,” read a statement shared with WTIP.

Before stepping into the role of youth leader, the church said that Avery, 30, had “successfully passed a background check as part of his volunteer work with our youth.”

Church leaders said they promptly reported the matter to authorities after learning of interactions they described as having “crossed boundaries” between Avery and a female minor parishioner, prompting an investigation.

“Church leadership then took additional steps to notify all relevant parties and immediately barred Micah from entering church premises or participating in any church activities,” the statement read.

The Free Church said on Sunday that the restrictions remain in place following his arrest and will continue to do so. “Our foremost concern is for those affected, and the church is actively working to provide appropriate support,” the church said in a statement.

Avery was arrested on Jan. 20 after the Cook County Sheriff’s Office received reports about concerning text message exchanges between Avery and two minor female parishioners at the Grand Marais Free Church. According to the criminal complaint, one of the female minors told the investigator that a friendship had developed with Avery as a youth church leader after seeking guidance following the loss of family members. The allegations from the minor state that Avery expressed increasing interest in her, which made her feel uncomfortable.

Upon investigation into the matter, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office discovered multiple text message exchanges between Avery and the minor discussing or referencing recent physical contact and touching. According to the complaint, the female minor told investigators that on Oct. 13, 2025,  Avery rubbed her back and placed his hand under her shirt while they were sitting inside his vehicle. The complaint states the minor reported additional physical contact while inside Avery’s vehicle,  including being hugged and restrained.

Avery’s next court appearance is a remote hearing on Feb. 2.