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Photo: Clay County, MO Courthouse; via Wikipedia.
The Pathway, the Missouri Baptist Convention’s official news journal reported earlier today that a youth leader has been arrested on sexual abuse charges involving a member of his church’s youth group. Authorities say the case involves multiple incidents that allegedly occurred over a period of more than two years.
According to investigators, Donald Aaron Axtell, 37, was taken into custody on November 13. He is charged with second degree statutory rape, possession of child pornography and providing pornographic material to a minor. Local media identified Axtell as an associate youth pastor at Excelsior Springs Baptist Church, which is unaffiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention; it is independent of the SBC. Church officials later clarified that he served in a volunteer capacity.
Police say the victim, now older, recently reported that the abuse began in 2023 when she was 15. She disclosed that the misconduct included inappropriate messages and repeated incidents that occurred in various locations, including on church property. Prosecutors say the investigation began earlier this month after she came forward.
Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson said in a statement that “The alleged offense not only constitutes a serious violation of the law, but a grievous betrayal of trust placed with an associate youth pastor to shepherd our community’s children.” Local media report that Axtell first denied the allegations before later admitting to having a sexual relationship with the teen.
Excelsior Springs Baptist Church released a statement addressing the allegations. The statement says Axtell has been removed from all duties and has “no church approved access to minors or to our facilities.” The church added that its “first concern is for the safety, well being and privacy of the victim in this case and for anyone else who may have been affected.” Church leaders expressed that they are “heartbroken for her and her family.”
The statement also reaffirmed a zero tolerance stance on abuse and outlined the church’s internal policies regarding volunteer screening and supervision. Officials say outside experts will review those policies and make recommendations. The church encouraged anyone with additional information to contact law enforcement and offered spiritual support to those impacted.
“As a church, we believe that God calls us to protect the vulnerable, to tell the truth, and to pursue justice,” the statement reads. “In this difficult moment, we are praying for the victim and her family, for our students and their families, and for wisdom and courage for everyone involved in responding to this situation.”
Axtell is being held at the Clay County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Beyond this individual case, the allegations surface at a time when faith based organizations nationwide are facing legal scrutiny over institutional responses to reports of child sexual abuse. Multiple lawsuits have been filed in recent years accusing churches and affiliated ministries of failing to protect children, failing to properly supervise youth workers and failing to report suspected abuse to authorities.
Are You a Survivor of Institutional Sexual Abuse?
Learn more about nationwide litigation involving churches, schools, and youth organizations by visiting our Institutional Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide . If you are ready to explore your legal options, you can request a free case review by filling out the confidential, secure form below.
