88 children taken into protective custody in Louisa County

Eighty-eight children who had been attending the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation and the Shekinah Glory Camp were taken into protective custody last week during the execution of a search warrant, according to the Louisa County Sheriff's Office.

On Thursday, June 12, and Friday, June 13, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Health Human Services Child Protection Services, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Columbus Junction Police Department, conducted a safeguard child protective custody operation and executed search warrants at 10431 Q Ave. in rural Columbus Junction, and 1101 Fifth Ave. in Fredonia.

The 88 children were taken to Wapello Methodist Church to meet with child protection workers. They were connected with their parents, or HHS and temporary foster care to “ensure the safety of all involved until safe return to parents/guardians.”

The operation was carried out based on reports regarding child abuse and endangerment.

The investigation is ongoing at this time. The Sheriff's Office did not report any arrests in its news release.

According to the camp’s website, the ministry’s mission is “assisting individuals in breaking free from addiction through God's Word, offering food and shelter to those in need, and supporting individuals during fasting and prayer.” The camp is listed as costing $500 and was set to run from June 8 through June 29.

The agencies were assisted by the Wapello Methodist Church, Wapello Community Ambulance, Wapello Community School/Food Pantry as well as multiple local volunteers.