Most Texans are aware that allegations of involvement in the production or distribution of child pornography can lead to troublesome consequences far removed from the criminal law realm. The recent troubles of the pastor of a Calvary Chapel congregation in Woodlands, Texas illustrates this fact.
Investigation and arrest
On May 8, 2024, deputies of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office arrested the lead pastor of the Calvary Chapel of the Woodlands, a church located in a northern suburb of Houston. The arrest was the end-product of a sting operation that had been focused on internet crimes against children.
According to court records, the police retrieved numerous photographs of girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who were naked from the waist down. Some of the images showed the girls involved in sexual activity.
The pastor was arrested and incarcerated in the Montgomery County Jail with bail set at $30,000. He has been charged with possession of and intent to promote child pornography.
Sanctions from the church
The board of Calvary Chapel acted immediately to revoke the defendant’s ministerial privileges. The church board posted a notice that the defendant has been “stripped of his role as lead pastor” and no longer has authority to hold himself out as a leader of the church for any purpose. The church took down its website and replaced it with a static page displaying only the board’s response to the arrest and criminal charges.
Conclusion
The need for prompt action by the object of such charges is obvious from the fate of the defendant in this case. The need for an attorney with experience in defending child pornography charges and their fall out is obvious from the facts of this case.