CHATFIELD, Ohio — The Evangelical Pietist Church of Chatfield has addressed recent concerns regarding Curtis Morris, a registered sex offender who has been serving as the head coach of the Senedot Stripes basketball team, a youth sports program affiliated with the church.
After receiving a tip from a reader, TiffinOhio.net inquired about Morris’s role in the program, his criminal history, and the church’s safety measures regarding individuals working with children. Morris, who was convicted on charges related to a female minor, is listed on the state sex offender registry.
In response, Pastor Jason DeZurik described several measures the church has implemented to protect children involved in its programs. These include a policy requiring two adults to be present when working with children and the installation of a 24-hour security camera system throughout its facilities.
“The leadership here takes this God-given responsibility very seriously,” the church stated, adding that it is open to suggestions for further improving its safety protocols.
However, experts in child protection argue that these measures are inadequate when a known sex offender is involved in youth activities.
According to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which maintains a disciplinary database for sports organizations, allowing individuals with a history of sexual misconduct to work with minors is strongly discouraged. The center emphasizes that the vast majority of misconduct allegations in their database are considered serious, with 87 percent resulting in the perpetrator becoming ineligible to participate in youth sports.
Addressing Curtis Morris’s involvement, the church emphasized his efforts at personal transformation over the past 13 years. It cited a public meeting in 2019, during which Morris “confessed his past crimes to parents and sought their forgiveness.” According to the church, parents at the time forgave him and supported his continued involvement. The church claimed that current parents and athletes have been made aware of Morris’s history, including through a recent meeting held in November to discuss the situation.
The church also stated that Morris voluntarily reported his activities to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in the past but was later told by the sheriff that he was “no longer required to do so.”
Despite the church’s claims of transparency and its support for Morris, the decision to allow a convicted sex offender to coach youth sports has sparked widespread concerns in the community. Community members have questioned whether sufficient safeguards are in place and whether it is appropriate for someone with Morris’s history to hold a leadership role with access to minors.
The church’s emphasis on Morris’s personal transformation and the community’s forgiveness overlooks the critical issue of child safety. While rehabilitation is important, it should not come at the expense of protecting vulnerable individuals. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center stresses that organizations working with youth must prioritize the safety and well-being of children above all else.
Furthermore, the church’s assertion that all parents have been informed of Morris’s history is disputed by the tipster who contacted TiffinOhio.net. This discrepancy raises questions about the transparency of the church’s communication with families involved in the program.
“The parents have not been informed of his status,” the tipster claimed, describing the situation as “problematic.” They added, “I emailed the pastor and athletic director but have received no response.”
The church, however, defended its position, framing its support for Morris as part of its mission to extend forgiveness and restoration. “We believe in forgiveness here at Evangelical Pietist Church of Chatfield and desire to help people come into a right relationship with Jesus Christ,” the church stated.
Child protection experts recommend that organizations implement comprehensive screening processes, including background checks, reference checks, and interviews for all individuals working with children. Additionally, many youth sports organizations have policies that explicitly prohibit registered sex offenders from holding positions that involve direct contact with minors.
The controversy has ignited broader discussions in the community about how organizations should balance the need for redemption and rehabilitation with the imperative to protect children. The situation remains a flashpoint for debate, underscoring the challenges of managing such cases in youth programs.
TiffinOhio.net will continue to investigate this story, including seeking input from child protection experts, local law enforcement, and community members. We will also be following up on the church’s response to these concerns and any potential changes to their policies regarding individuals with a history of sexual offenses working with youth.
