Grand Marais Evangelical Free Church Issues Statement on Arrest of Youth Leader Micah Avery

The Grand Marais Evangelical Free Church issued a statement Sunday in response to 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 church confirmed Avery’s involvement in its congregation and his role as a volunteer in the Youth Program prior to his arrest.

Before assuming the role of youth leader, Avery, 30, had “successfully passed a background check as part of his volunteer work with our youth,” according to the church’s statement. Church leaders said they reported the matter to authorities after learning of interactions they described as having “crossed boundaries” between Avery and a female minor parishioner, which prompted an investigation.

The church stated that leadership took additional steps to notify all relevant parties and immediately barred Avery from entering church premises or participating in any church activities. These restrictions remain in place following his arrest, the church said, and they will continue to do so. “Our foremost concern is for those affected, and the church is actively working to provide appropriate support,” the statement read.

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.

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