Christian Singer, Speaker Jon Paul Sheptock Arrested on Child Porn Charges

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A former Christian music singer and speaker who often shared his testimony about overcoming physical challenges is facing charges of distributing child pornography. 

Jon Paul Sheptock, 49, was serving as worship minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church in Montgomery, Texas, when detectives received information in August that he possessed and was producing child sexual assault materials, according to Baptist Press. Those materials allegedly included videos and images of children engaged in sexual conduct.

Sheptock was ministering at a state women's prison in Central Texas when he was arrested, according to ABC-13. 

Senior Pastor Chris Gober told members that Sheptock had been removed from "all responsibilities at the church." 

"He did not have responsibilities overseeing children in the church or school except occasionally in a large group setting with other adults," Gober said. "At this point, we have no information that indicates any of the children in our care were involved, but we are taking every precaution to protect our kids and to maintain the integrity of our ministry. 

"...We must be clear: what Jon is accused of is a grievous sin, and it is heartbreaking for all of our church family and the families of innocent children who may be involved. God's Word says 'There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed' (Luke 8:17). We will not cover up sin, and we will not excuse it. We will fully cooperate with law enforcement and trust the judicial process. Our first priority is to honor the Lord through the continued safety of all the kids entrusted to our care."

A woman who was a 17-year-old high school senior nine years ago told law enforcement she believes Sheptock stole a nude photo of her from her iCloud account.

"After [Sheptock] sent the image of the victim, he told her that he wanted more explicit images of her," the affidavit said, according to Baptist Press. "[Sheptock] then sent her a video depicting someone being physically assaulted, accompanied by a statement implying that he did not want that to happen to her."

According to ABC-13, he is alleged to have had "multiple nude photographs of adults and young girls on his computer."

A bio on his website said he was born with no arms and a significantly shorter right leg and spent much of his childhood in foster care before being adopted. The website also said he is a "thriving Christian recording artist and speaker whose message centers on overcoming life's obstacles through faith."

Photo Credit: ©Montgomery County Constable

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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