Eighty-eight children were removed from a rehabilitation and camp near Fredonia and in Columbus Junction, according to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. Officials state that on June 12th and 13th, a safeguard child protective custody operation and search warrants were executed at two locations – the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and the Shekinah Glory Camp.

The operation was conducted due to reports of child abuse and endangerment. The collaborating agencies removed 88 children who were attendees. They were taken to the Wapello Methodist Church to meet with multiple Child Protection Workers and provided to their parents. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and temporary foster care were also involved to ensure the safety of those involved until they could be safely returned to parents and guardians.

The investigation is listed as ongoing. Names of those related to this case have not been released.

Agencies that assisted include the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Columbus Junction Police Department, the Wapello Community Ambulance, the Wapello Community School and food pantry, and area volunteers.

According to their website, the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation was founded in 2018, and offers a summer camp June 8-29. The Shekinah Glory Camp’s Facebook page states it is a 21-day camping event “that will include worship, teaching, and activities for all ages, led by Victoria Camp Ministry USA.”

KCII will provide more information as it becomes official.