Florida Pastor Arrested for Child Pornography, Former Emmanuel Employee Faces Additional Charges – Biblical Recorder

Florida pastor arrested for child pornography

PALMETTO, Fla. (BP) — Jonathan Edward Elwing, senior pastor of Palm View Baptist Church in Palmetto, was arrested June 21 on four counts of possessing child sexual abuse images.

The church, located on the southern edge of Tampa Bay, confirmed the arrest of Elwing, 43, on its Facebook page that evening. Elwing resigned from the church before he was arrested.

The church's president of deacons told local news that Palm View had held several training sessions on identifying signs of sexual abuse. He added that Elwing, who online records show started at the church in November 2019, followed a pastor who had been with the congregation for 41 years.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office detectives received information the day before that Elwing had used cryptocurrency to purchase the images online. Deputies found four “sexually explicit photos of children” on his cellphone Friday after executing a search warrant at his home and office. Elwing remains in custody at the Manatee County Jail and is being held on $15,000 bail on each charge.

The Conservative Baptist Network, of which Elwing was a member of the Florida state chapter leadership, issued a statement June 22.

“Upon hearing this news, he was immediately removed from the network,” said Timothy Pigg, CBN network director. “I ask that you pray for Palm View Baptist Church and Jonathan’s family.”

Anyone with more information about crimes that may involve Elwing is encouraged to call Manatee County Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-8477. Those who provide tips remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

New sexual assault and kidnapping charges filed against former Immanuel employee

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BP) — A former staff member at Immanuel Baptist Church has been arrested on new charges stemming from an accusation more than five years ago.

Patrick Stephen Miller served as assistant director of the church's children's ministry from May 2014 to January 2016. On June 21, he turned himself in to authorities after being charged with second-degree sexual assault and kidnapping. Miller pleaded innocent and was released on $50,000 bail.

Accusations from an elementary-aged victim led to a plea deal for Miller in January 2022, ranging from second-degree sexual assault to misdemeanor harassment. Miller also received a one-year suspended sentence with 19 days credit for time served and was not required to register as a sex offender.

Friday's charges stem from accusations by a second accuser, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.

Last December, Immanuel leaders were criticized for withholding information about the affair from his congregation. After months of controversy over the issue, Stephen Smith preached his final sermon as pastor on April 7, the week after Easter Sunday.

If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member, or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please seek assistance at 202-864-5578 or [email protected]. All calls are confidential.