A 27-year-old Lutheran church leader is facing serious criminal charges following an investigation into the alleged abuse of an infant. Josiah Junkin is charged with one count of child molesting after authorities uncovered allegations that he molested a 2-month-old girl. The case centers on actions allegedly committed while he was changing the infant’s diaper.
The legal proceedings against Junkin highlight the severe nature of the accusations, with court documents indicating he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years. Junkin is currently being held at the Allen County Jail as the judicial process moves forward.
Investigators first launched the probe in Fort Wayne following alarming disclosures originating in Michigan, where authorities obtained court records detailing the suspect’s admissions. According to documentation reviewed by investigators, a woman told police that Junkin had admitted to molesting the 2-month-old victim in 2024 during a diaper-changing incident. The same witness informed law enforcement that he had struggled with a pornography addiction—including child sexual abuse material—dating back to his childhood.
Investigation Details and Court Records
Court documents reveal a complex web of disclosures that ultimately brought the alleged abuse to light. The reporting witness told authorities that Junkin had participated in therapy and counseling and would tell her almost immediately if he would “relapse.” However, disclosures made to individuals close to the suspect prompted external intervention.
A man who also spoke to Junkin reported that they had a conversation in which Junkin told him about four times he molested the girl. Following these conversations, the man reported Junkin to authorities in Michigan. Concurrently, a woman separately reported the allegations to the Indiana Department of Child Services after learning about the incident.
As the investigation deepened, police secured further evidence regarding the suspect’s psychological state and admitted behaviors. Authorities spoke with a person who provided photographs of Junkin’s journal from the “7 Pillars of Freedom,” a program for sex addicts. Within the journal pages, Junkin allegedly checked that his sexual behavior placed him at risk for arrest, and that his sexual fantasies included molesting and rape.
Law Enforcement Response and Legal Status
When police attempted to speak to Junkin, he declined to do an interview. Instead, court documents indicate that he told police he would turn himself in once there was a warrant for his arrest.
A detective investigating the allegations in Michigan said Junkin admitted to molesting the girl in Fort Wayne. The active collaboration between Michigan authorities, the Indiana Department of Child Services, and local police agencies facilitated the filing of charges.
As this case proceeds through the Allen County Jail, further hearings will determine the timeline for trial proceedings and potential defense motions.
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