Former Granite City youth pastor accused of trying to have sex with 14-year-old | Law and order | stltoday.com

A former youth pastor from Granite City was charged in federal court here with attempting to persuade or coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity and accused of trying to arrange a liaison with a 14-year-old girl.

Eric Michael Zurheide, 31, who is a foster parent, was arrested Wednesday after meeting with an undercover detective who he believed to be the mother of the teen, named Shay. The detective and Zurheide talked on instant messaging applications for about two months before he agreed to meet with the detective to have sex with her daughter, charging documents say.

Police found a sex toy, several types of lubricant, and a box of condoms inside his car after Zurheide met with the undercover detective at a McDonald's, where he was arrested.

Zurheide also told the detective he was grooming a toddler for sexual contact, charging documents claim.

Former Granite City youth pastor accused of trying to have sex with 14-year-old | Law and order | stltoday.com