Prosecutors have charged a longtime Chicago minister with sexually abusing two underage relatives, alleging one assault took place at his South Side church and another at his home.
Bertin Salgado, 63, serves as minister at Iglesia Manantial de Vida and is accused of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two family members under 18. Prosecutors say one alleged incident occurred inside the church and the other at his residence. The congregation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to ABC7 Chicago, a sign at the church identifies Salgado as pastor. The station reports that prosecutors have filed aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges tied to the two alleged underage victims who are related to him.
Charges and legal stakes
Under Illinois law, aggravated criminal sexual abuse is defined in the Criminal Code when sexual conduct involves a victim under 18, and certain aggravating circumstances apply. The statute is codified at 720 ILCS 5/11-1.60. Sentencing follows the state's Unified Code of Corrections, and convictions for offenses classified as a Class 2 felony commonly carry a standard prison range that can be extended in aggravating cases. See 720 ILCS 5/11-1.60 and the Unified Code at 730 ILCS 5 for the statutory text and sentencing framework.
Community context
Allegations of sexual abuse involving clergy and other trusted church leaders have drawn intense focus across Chicago recently, forcing congregations to confront how such cases reverberate through pews and leadership circles alike. In separate coverage, ABC7 Chicago reported on another abuse allegation involving a longtime South Side pastor, illustrating how these accusations can shake parish life even before any verdict is reached.
Early reports did not specify a court date or outline additional case filings in Salgado's matter. Prosecutors and investigators are expected to map out next steps as the case progresses, and Salgado is entitled to the presumption of innocence while the criminal process moves forward.
