ILLINOIS: "A former local youth pastor is accused of sexual abuse of a young child in Peoria County and is under investigation for a similar alleged crime in Pekin. Nicholas Lawrence, 26, of Pekin, served as pastor of youth services at Pekin Church of God for about 20 months before he was dismissed from the position on June 30, the church’s pastor said Thursday. He has remained in the Peoria County Jail since Tuesday, when he was charged with one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child under age 13, punishable by up to seven years in prison."

CALIFORNIA: "A former youth pastor pleaded no contest Friday to molesting two girls at the church where he worked. Jonathan Michael Macy, 31, entered his plea to one count of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 and admitted the special allegation of more than one victim, Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami said. An initial investigation began after there was a report of child molestation involving a girl and an employee at the Desert Christian School. A second victim was identified during the investigation. Officials say Macy molested two girls, ages 11 and 12, during Sunday church services at Grace Chapel."

TEXAS: "Angel De Los Santos, a 26-year-old volunteer youth at Life Church in Odessa, he is now facing at least six counts of sexual assault with a child. According to the arrest report, Odessa Police responded to an outcry after a woman said her daughter had been having a sexual relationship with her youth minister. The girl said it all started when De Los Santos began sending her text messages that were religious in nature, but those later turned flirty. The messages would say he thought she was "hot" and had "beautiful eyes," eventually he said he wanted to have sex with her."

Youth Pastor James Young wrote an open letter to parents that was posted at Christianity Today earlier this week:

Have I told you that I love your kids? So much. I love watching them growing up and starting to come out of their shell. I love watching them start to take risks and dream big. I especially love them when they stumble and screw up. It's a pretty cool honour to be walking alongside them as they grow up.

Pastor Young has lots of advice for parents but "never leave your kid alone with a youth pastor" doesn't make his list of recommendations. Click through to read the rest of Pastor Young's advice.