88 kids in protective custody following investigation at church camp

DES MOINES, Iowa (KWQC/CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) — Dozens of children were taken into protective custody following an investigation into a church camp.

Eighty-eight children attending a church camp in Iowa are now in protective custody as police conduct a human trafficking investigation following reports of child abuse and endangerment at the Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation.

Victor Bawi, the minister’s son, told KWQC’s reporters that no camp leaders have been arrested.

He explained that a 15-year-old from Texas contacted authorities because he did not want to be at the camp. Bawi denied any allegations of danger to the children when speaking to KWQC.

“Was that harmed in any way? No, we never harmed that child. We loved him. We bought him shoes. We bought him like $400 shoes, clothing, everything,” said Bawi.

Deputies reported that the children have been placed in temporary foster care until they can be returned to their guardians. The investigation is ongoing.