Former Worship Director Accused of Virtual Sex Acts with Children

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested a 36-year-old former worship director Thursday.

He was charged with multiple sex-related crimes against minors after CCSO deputies executed a warrant at his Hernando residence.

According to his arrest affidavit, CCSO deputies were called to the church in mid-May when the man’s coworkers attempted to play a prank on him by adjusting his laptop settings, and while doing so allegedly discovered inappropriate pornographic material.

After the alleged discovery of videos containing live-recorded sexual encounters with minors, the man was let go from his position at the church and his digital devices were taken into evidence for forensic investigation.

CCSO detectives claim they have spent hundred of hours filtering through 3,000 videos and 350,000 photos contained within the laptop.

Police also claim the man’s files revealed videos of him placing a camouflaged video-recording device in his home to secretly film girls using the bathroom and changing their clothes.

According to CCSO, none of the crimes occurred on church property.

The man is charged with one count of promoting the sexual performance of a child, three counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition live over a computer online service, and three counts of video voyeurism. His bond is set at $26,000.

Computer sex crimes carry very severe penalties. Even if this is your first-time offense, you will likely be sentenced to jail time if you are found guilty. In addition to jail, you will have to register as a sex offender. If you have been accused of a sex crime, you need to be prepared to fight for your life. You should speak with a Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible about your rights and the defenses that may be available to you.

If you or a loved one have been arrested for a sex crime, we can help you understand what you are up against and what is a likely outcome. In many sex crimes cases, a properly prepared defense can sometimes result in reduced penalties, reduced charges, or a dismissal of the charges completely. Even if the evidence of guilt is overwhelming, a properly prepared defense can decrease the consequences of a conviction.

For a free consultation, please call us today at 352-726-0078 or contact us online.