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27-year-old Josiah Junkin, a student at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne (CTSFW), a seminary of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), was arrested on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and charged with one count of child molestation. He is charged with molesting a two-month-old girl in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Junkin served as a vicar intern at Faith Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in the South Wisconsin District of the LCMS in 2025. He faces up to 12 years in prison, if convicted of the current charge.
Junkin’s arrest follows the January 2026 arrest of then-LCMS Central Illinois District President Michael Mohr on federal charges of child pornography. Mohr remains jailed while awaiting trial in St. Louis, Missouri.
As of this writing, no statements have been released regarding Junkin’s arrest by leaders of Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, or the Presidents of the Indiana District, the South Wisconsin District, or the Michigan District – regions of the LCMS where Junkin has served or resided.
We pray for Almighty God’s overflowing love, care, and healing for this precious child and any other victims, and that justice will prevail and be swiftly administered. Lord, have mercy.
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