Mpls. Pastor: Teens Say Choir Director Sent Inappropriate Messages
[NOTE: An earlier version of this report referred to Erik Akervik as a band teacher. This was an error; he taught choir.]
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minneapolis pastor says a former employee -- who is charged with having sex with a high school student and sending nude photos to another -- also sent inappropriate messages to teens in his church's choir.
In a letter sent to church members and friends Thursday, Pastor Dennis J. Johnson of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church said Erik Akervik was fired from his position as choir director after the church was notified of his arrest by Burnsville police Monday.
Akervik, a music teacher at Burnsville High School, was charged Wednesday with having sex with a minor, as well as one count of electronic solicitation of a child.
Read More: Burnsville Case Raises Questions About Social Media Between Teachers And Students
Johnson said in the statement that several young church members have come forward to say Akervik sent them inappropriate messages via social media.
Akervik is accused of sending nude photos of himself to a 15-year-old Burnsville high student. He's also accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student.
Sixteen is the age of consent in Minnesota, but it is illegal for an adult to have sex with a minor whom they have authority over.
Johnson is asking for any church members who have been sent inappropriate messages by Akervik to contact him or Burnsville police.
WCCO reached out to Mount Olivet and Burnsville police for comment, and are still awaiting their responses.
Akervik's next court date is May 11.