In March 2001, the babysitter also reported she had had sexual contact with Allen. She said that in August of the previous year, the two had begun a “relationship” that included “at least two acts of sexual penetration.” Both of those incidents occurred days apart in February 2001 in Allen’s townhouse.
Allen admitted to the sexual contact and sexual penetration and showed that he also knew this girl was 13 years old. According to Fox 21, Allen served around one year in prison and was required to register as a sex offender for five years.
The Allens told Fox 21 that Revive’s policy is that people who have committed crimes against children are disqualified from serving in church leadership. However, Allen and the church board can make exceptions, and October explained why she believed her husband’s case is one.
“I think Ron’s situation is different in the sense that the time, the length of time, 25 years,” she said. “And you know, not just our own board, but other pastors in the community and other people that have advocated and said we believe and we support the work of the ministry.” During the Fox 21 interview, Allen said the church was looking for his replacement but not because his history has become public knowledge.
Revive’s Facebook page and Ronald Allen’s Facebook page are no longer active as of this writing.
A number of Facebook posts published since Fox 21’s article on March 20 show people spreading the word about Allen’s crimes, expressing anger that they did not know about them, yet he was holding the position of a pastor.
A woman identified as Jessica Niemi reposted Fox 21’s March 20 article, commenting, “Why is this just now coming out? I have [known] them both for 8+ years.”
“I steadily went to CR at the River and Revive and NO ONE knew,” she said. “Not even the d*** leaders! This is absolutely sick. Had I known this information 8 years ago my child would NOT have gone to any church he was involved in.”
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According to a follow-up report from Fox 21, on March 21, Revive created a Facebook event titled “One Last Time” that said, “Today, Pastor Ron Allen’s ordination has been suspended, and we will meet one last time on Sunday.” Sunday service on March 23 was attended by supporters of Allen’s, as well as by protesters. Duluth police officers were present to keep the peace.
