A worship leader from First Montgomery Baptist Church has been arrested on felony charges related to child pornography. Authorities allege he possessed and promoted explicit material involving a child under 18 and was taken into custody while ministering at a Gatesville prison.
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A worship leader from a Montgomery church is confronting serious felony charges related to child pornography, as investigators claim he possessed and distributed explicit materials involving minors, as reported by the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.
Authorities have identified the person involved as Jon Paul Sheptock, 49, who serves as the worship minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church. He is currently in custody at the Coryell County Jail in Gatesville, located west of Waco, as he awaits extradition to Montgomery County.
Investigators from Constable Ryan Gable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit reported that they obtained information suggesting that Sheptock reportedly had videos and images showing a minor involved in sexual activities. After conducting their investigation, detectives announced they discovered sufficient grounds to move forward with charges.
On Friday, authorities carried out a search warrant at Sheptock’s home in Montgomery County. Although he was absent during the incident, officials subsequently found him at the Dr. Lane Murray Unit Prison in Gatesville, where he was providing ministry services to the inmates. According to the constable’s office, state officials apprehended him at the scene.
Sheptock faces serious charges for promoting child pornography, a felony under Texas law. As of Monday, there was no immediate availability of bond information, and court records did not indicate an attorney of record.
First Montgomery Baptist Church has yet to release any official comment regarding Sheptock’s arrest. The investigation is ongoing, led by the constable’s child exploitation unit, with assistance from state authorities.
Authorities are calling on the public to share any information or concerns related to Sheptock by reaching out to the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit at 281-364-4211 and requesting to speak with a detective.
Prosecutors in Montgomery County are set to examine the case following Sheptock's transfer from Coryell County.
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