A former youth minister from Council Bluffs faces up to 17-years in prison for his role in the sexual exploitation of teens. 32-year old Brent Girouex plead guilty Tuesday to one-count of sexual abuse in the 3^rd degree, one-count of felony sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, and one count of misdemeanor sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist. His sentencing was set for March 7, 2012.

Girouex had been charged with 61 counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist and 28 counts of 3^rd degree sexual abuse, in connection with acts he allegedly performed while serving as a youth pastor with the Victory Fellowship Church in Council Bluffs. His Alford Plea to the 3^rd degree sexual abuse charge means Girouex did not admit to any specific elements of the offense, but acknowledges a jury would most likely find him guilty if a trial where held.

The charges were filed after Girouex told authorities about the incidents on February 16^th, 2011. He admitted the offenses to police only after church leaders confronted him upon hearing from four young men who came forward with the allegations earlier that month. According to court records, Girouex told investigators he felt it was his duty to — quote — Help (the teen) with homosexual urges by praying, while he had sexual contact with him.”