He passed the background check. The warning signs were in the text messages.

What happened

On January 12 and 13, 2026, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office got calls from people at Grand Marais Free Church about concerning text messages between a volunteer youth leader, Micah Avery, 30, and two minor girls in the congregation, according to the Duluth Monitor and WTIP. He was arrested on January 20 and charged with coercion, electronic communication relating to sexual conduct with a child, and false imprisonment.

According to the criminal complaint reported by WTIP, one girl said a friendship developed after she went to him for guidance following losses in her family, and that his interest in her grew and made her uncomfortable. The complaint describes messages referencing physical contact and alleges incidents inside his vehicle. The charges are allegations.

In a statement, the church board said Avery had “successfully passed a background check” before working with youth. When leaders learned he had “crossed boundaries with a minor,” they reported it to authorities, notified the people involved and immediately barred him from church property and activities.

What safety teams can take from it

• A background check only shows the past. It can’t catch someone who has never been caught. Pair checks with references, a waiting period for new volunteers, and training on grooming behavior.
• Ban private messaging with minors. Set a rule that leaders only contact students in group chats or with a parent copied. Private texts are where grooming often starts.
• No one-on-one time in cars. The alleged contact happened in a vehicle. Two adults, or a parent’s permission and a second adult, for every ride.
• Watch for “special” relationships. Grooming often targets a child who is grieving or struggling. Train leaders and parents to notice when one adult gets unusually close to one kid.
• Act fast and in writing. This church reported, notified families and banned the volunteer right away. Have that response written down before you need it.