Pastor hit with 100 counts of possessing, distributing child pornography



An Arkansas pastor has been arrested and is facing 100 counts of crimes related to possessing child porn, according to police. The pastor has reportedly served in numerous roles as a youth pastor and fostered dozens of children.

Arkansas State Police said in a statement that its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received two cyber tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding a pastor.

'They were blessed to be foster parents to 76 children in 4 years ...'

Special agents with the state police executed a search warrant on Sept. 25.

During the investigation, agents reportedly found evidence that James Vincent Henry, 43, had possession of child pornography. The pastor allegedly obtained or distributed child porn on online messaging apps such as Snapchat and Kik.

Authorities obtained an arrest warrant, and Pike County sheriff’s deputies arrested Henry on Oct. 15.

Henry was charged with 100 counts of possession, viewing, and distribution of child pornography, and he's being detained at the Pike County Detention Center.

Henry is the pastor of the Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Delight, and his profile was still on the church's website Friday afternoon.

The site notes that Henry and his wife have been married for 12 years and have three young children.

"They love to serve others and to fellowship," the profile says of the couple.

The profile indicates that Henry "has had the privilege to serve as youth pastor at Lacey Assembly of God, McGehee First Assembly of God, Mountain Pine First Assembly of God, [and] Newsong Church in Centerton, Arkansas."

His wife "served in many roles as youth pastor, children church teacher, house mom, and other places she needed to fill in."

The site states that the couple served as foster parents at the New Beginnings Children's Home outside Centerton.

According to the church's site, "They were blessed to be foster parents to 76 children in 4 years and then they moved to the transitional living program for young ladies 18-25 that needed some help getting life skills they need to be successful in life."

The Facebook page for the Crossroads Assembly of God Church appears to have been set to private or was deleted as of Friday afternoon.

In related news

In June, a former youth pastor at four Texas churches was arrested by U.S. Marshals for alleged child sex crimes. Luke Cunningham faces charges of sexual assault of a child and aggravated sexual assault. Baptist News Global reported, "Prosecutors argued Cunningham is a violent offender who slapped and choked his victims into unconsciousness. They also claimed he is a manipulator and serial groomer who ensured his victims went on mission trips and camps, including out-of-state and international programs that were held in New Mexico and Guatemala."

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Male tortured girlfriend for days, tattooed 'degrading words' on her chest before murdering her on Christmas Eve: Officials



A California man was convicted Tuesday of nine felony counts in connection with the 2021 murder and torture of his girlfriend.

A jury found Saul C. Nava, 24, guilty of first-degree murder, torture, kidnapping, aggravated mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting corporal injury to current/former spouse/cohabitant/fiancé, and possession of child pornography.

'I'm scared. I'm really scared. I'm terrified.'

Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell stated, "Although this result cannot erase the immeasurable pain the defendant inflicted on the victims and their families, we hope that this brings some measure of closure to see him held accountable for his horrific crimes."

Officials said Nava tortured his girlfriend for days and murdered her on Christmas Eve. Then he called 911.

Police responded to the call and found a gruesome crime scene at Nava's studio apartment in Thousand Oaks.

Nava tortured Alisen Takacs-Escobar, 24, for days, she and had injuries over her entire body. She suffered from extensive bruising and the top of her head also showed a large laceration.

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office said "degrading words" were newly tattooed on the center of her chest.

Police said Nava had used tattoo equipment, baseball bats, a hammer, a belt, and a screwdriver to torture his girlfriend.

Nava’s cellphone was found in the apartment. In the hours leading up to her death, Nava had recorded videos with the phone that showed him "taunting her and displaying no concern for her worsening condition."

The Ventura County Star reported that there were four videos on Nava's phone that showed blood streaming across a large portion of Takacs-Escobar's face.

"Express yourself," a male voice is heard saying in one of the videos.

Takacs-Escobar replies: "I'm scared. I'm really scared. I'm terrified."

The male asks, "Is what you did worth it?" She answers no.

Nava was arrested at the apartment.

Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office found that Takacs-Escobar died of blunt force injuries and ruled her death a homicide.

The fatal attack purportedly occurred a few weeks after Nava noticed a phone message between Takacs-Escobar and a former boyfriend.

A police witness described the message as "flirtatious" and had discussed their former sexual relations.

The prosecution said they were not having a sexual relationship at the time.

Nava indicated he was aware that the pair were not having physical contact but said he considered flirting to be cheating.

An ex-girlfriend of Nava's told authorities he had physically abused her and confined her in a closet when they were teenagers.

At one point in the relationship, the ex-girlfriend said she attempted to flee, but Nava allegedly found her and threatened her with a knife until she got into his vehicle.

The ex-girlfriend got pregnant when she was 17 and said Nava punched her in the stomach and forced her to get an abortion. She said Nava punched her in the face, choked her, and secretly filmed their sex life.

Sophia Nuno, a high school friend of Takacs-Escobar, testified that her friend “was super friendly, bubbly, happy and outgoing” before she started dating Nava and that her behavior changed after she started dating him.

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Elementary school staff member charged with child sexual assault with student under 13, possession of child pornography



A Wisconsin elementary school staff member has been accused of sexual misconduct against a student under the age of 13 as well as three other felonies, including possessing child porn.

The Sensitive Crime Unit of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday began an investigation into 33-year-old Anna-Marie Crocker of Salem. Investigators suspect the Riverview Elementary School staffer of sexual misconduct involving a "current and former student of the school."

'It just blows my mind that something like this would happen at this school.'

The sheriff's department said in a statement: "We are early in the investigation but have determined the alleged misconduct did not occur during school hours or on school property."

Crocker was charged with four felonies: first-degree child sex assault with a person under 13, exposing genitals/intimate parts to a child, child sexual exploitation, and possession of child pornography, the sheriff's department said.

The sheriff's department added that the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be coming.

School officials said they are cooperating with police on the sexual misconduct case: "We remain in contact with local law enforcement to support their ongoing investigation."

Sheriff David W. Zoerner also said, "In light of these events, we want to remind everyone in the community about the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all individuals. It is crucial to be vigilant and report any concerning behavior to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, we encourage open communication and support for those impacted by such distressing news. Let’s work together to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community."

New Riverview School District Administrator Kim Taylor sent a letter to parents regarding the teacher's arrest.

"We understand that this situation can be difficult for our students, families, and staff to process," Taylor stated. "Please know that our school counselors are here and ready to provide support as needed. We strongly encourage any students who need some extra help to visit the counseling office at any time — they are here for you."

Taylor said the news of Crocker's arrest for possible child sex crimes was "distressing."

A parent of a student at the school said she was "disgusted" over the possible teacher sex scandal.

Another parent told WITI-TV, "It just blows my mind that something like this would happen at this school. My heart just sunk. It fell. We're still trying to deal with it."

Crocker reportedly started as a substitute teacher at the school in 2020 and became a full-time educational assistant the following year. Crocker no longer is listed as a staff member on the Riverview Elementary School website.

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department is urging anyone with information on the sexual misconduct case to contact the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department Detective Bureau at 262-605-5102.

You can view a video report here about the situation.

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Man, 27, gets up to 120 years in prison for enrolling in high school, committing sex crimes against girls as young as 13



A 27-year-old Nebraska man was sentenced to up to 120 years in prison for fraudulently enrolling in high school and then committing sex crimes against girls as young as 13.

Judge Darla Ideus sentenced Zachary Scheich to 85 to 120 years in prison Wednesday. In July, Scheich pleaded no contest to five felonies, including two counts of first-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree sexual assault, child enticement, and generation of child pornography. Scheich previously faced nine felony charges, but they were reduced as part of a plea deal.

'Predator of the worst kind.'

Scheich also will be required to register as a sex offender. He will be eligible for parole in 41 years.

“They knew not to speak with an adult male on social media, they knew not to meet an adult male by themselves, they knew how to defend themselves against that kind of danger,” Judge Ideus told Scheich during his sentencing, according to KOLN-TV. “They did not know how to protect themselves against you. Because again, they thought you were their peer. Their friend. And because you gained their trust.”

As Blaze News previously reported, Scheich attended 54 days of high school during the 2022-23 school year.

Scheich reportedly enrolled at Northwest High School and then transferred to Southeast High School — the school from which he graduated in 2015. He also allegedly enrolled in summer school but never attended.

Police said Scheich was able to enroll in the high schools by providing Lincoln Public Schools with a fraudulent birth certificate and immunization records. Scheich used a fake name, Zak Hess, to enroll in the high schools.

Scheich — who stands at 5'4'' and weighs 120 pounds — presented himself as a 17-year-old. He apparently "blended in with other students," Lincoln Police Assistant Chief Brian Jackson stated.

While attending high school, Scheich allegedly began initiating relationships with underage girls and even met families.

Scheich had sexually explicit conversations with 13- and 14-year-old students, according to court documents. He purportedly sent sexual text messages to female students and asked one girl for “pornographic material,” according to an arrest affidavit.

Prosecutors said Scheich sexually assaulted multiple underage victims.

Deputy County Attorney Amber Scholte during his sentencing called Schiech a “predator of the worst kind," KOLN reported.

“He targeted, groomed, and lured them via social media,” Scholte said. “He did so under the guise of being their peer, their friend, and in some cases, their boyfriend. And he did so for his own sexual purpose and gratification.”

Scheich reportedly enlisted the help of 23-year-old Angela Navarro to pose as his mother and help get him enrolled in high school.

Navarro posed as “Danielle Hess,” Zak’s mother, and worked with Lincoln Public Schools staff to get Scheich into high school, according to her arrest affidavit.

Police arrested Navarro in September 2023. Navarro pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal impersonation of $5,000+, a class III felony. The fake enrollment reportedly cost the Lincoln Public Schools district more than $6,000.

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Filipino national sentenced to 30 years for planting hidden cameras in cruise ship cabins, recording children as young as 2



A Florida judge sentenced a Filipino national to 30 years in federal prison for recording child porn by planting multiple hidden cameras in guest rooms on a major cruise ship, according to authorities. Some of the victims who were secretly recorded were reportedly children as young as 2 years old.

Arvin Joseph Mirasol — a 34-year-old citizen of the Philippines — had worked as a stateroom attendant aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Symphony of the Seas, a cruise ship that can accommodate a maximum capacity of 6,680 guests.

'I want to control it, but I can't.'

A cruise ship passenger reached under the sink to get a roll of toilet paper and discovered a hidden camera attached to the counter under the sink in the guest's bathroom. The guest notified the cruise ship's security regarding the hidden camera on Feb. 25.

Cruise ship security detained Mirasol until the Symphony of the Seas cruise ship docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on March 3. Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection officials boarded the ship and launched an investigation. Law enforcement seized Mirasol’s electronics, including his cell phone and a USB stick.

Investigators discovered that Mirasol’s electronics "contained numerous videos of children in various stages of undress," according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. The press release added, "The focus of the videos was on the children’s genital areas."

Homeland Security Investigations agents were able to identify the children seen in the videos. The children ranged in age from 2 to 17.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida stated that one of the videos on the recording devices showed Mirasol installing a camera in a guest's bathroom.

Investigators noted that Mirasol had been placing cameras in passenger cabins since December 2023.

According to prosecutors, Mirasol would also enter the guests' rooms while they were showering, hide under their beds, and secretly record them exiting the shower with his cell phone.

"I want to control it, but I can't," Mirasol told investigators while being questioned, according to the affidavit.

When asked how he decides which rooms to place cameras in, Mirasol allegedly told investigators, "If I like who is in that room, I place it." He informed investigators that he would target teenage girls ages 16 and over, the affidavit read.

Mirasol was arrested in March by Broward County deputies. Mirasol pleaded guilty to producing child pornography.

On Wednesday, Mirasol was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa Damian.

Royal Caribbean said in a statement released in March, "We have zero tolerance for this unacceptable behavior. We immediately reported this to law enforcement and terminated the crew member, and we will continue to fully cooperate with authorities."

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Broward County Sheriff's Office

Former 'American Ninja Warrior' champion gets 10 years in prison for child porn, coercing minor to cross state lines for sex



A former "American Ninja Warrior" champion has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for charges regarding child porn and coercing a minor to cross state lines for sex.

Andrew Drechsel, 35, was sentenced to 121 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Renée M. Bumb in Camden federal court on Wednesday.

The Florida man from Saint Cloud had pleaded guilty on June 1 to one count of receiving child pornography and one count of knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing, and coercing a minor to travel across interstate lines to engage in sexual activity.

In addition to the prison term, Drechsel was sentenced to 15 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the victim.

Between 2014 and 2019, Drechsel lived in Hamden, Connecticut.

Drechsel admitted that he initially met the victim in 2014 through his activities in the parkour community through his reputation as an "American Ninja Warrior" champion, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey's office.

At Drechsel's urging, the underage girl allegedly traveled from New Jersey to his gym in Connecticut in July 2015. The reality entertainment star allegedly had sexual relations with the underage girl.

The child sexual abuse reportedly happened when the victim was 14 and 15 years old.

On Nov. 8, 2019, law enforcement agents searched Drechsel’s phone and found images of child sex crimes, including illicit photos and videos of the underage victim.

Drechsel admitted texting the victim and discussing plans to engage in sexual activity with the victim.

The former celebrity won season 11 of "American Ninja Warrior," a reality TV show.

He reportedly won $1 million on the reality competition TV show and starred in eight seasons.

When the charges against Drechsel were filed in 2020, NBC said they were "shocked and disturbed to learn about the charges alleged against Drew Drechsel."

"'American Ninja Warrior' is a family show that has inspired countless people, and we will not let the actions of one contestant tarnish the hard work and amazing stories of so many. Moving forward, the 'American Ninja Warrior' brand will sever all ties with Mr. Drechsel, including his appearance on future seasons of the show," NBC told The Hollywood Reporter.

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Germany’s Decriminalization Of Child Porn Reminds Us Why We Need Societal Taboos

Some things are taboo because they’re wrong and perverted, and we should do all we can to discourage them.

'Every father knows what I'm thinking': Dad of slain daughter, 13, speaks for first time, prime suspect is stepfather hit with 60 child porn charges



The biological father of Madeline Soto – a 13-year-old girl murdered in Florida – has spoken for the first time since the body of his slain daughter was discovered on March 1.

Madeline Soto was reported missing around 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 26 after the 13-year-old girl never showed up for school. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Soto was last seen off Village Park Drive in Kissimmee, near Orlando.

On March 1, Soto's body was found in a rural area of St. Cloud, Florida.

Authorities said Soto's stepfather – Stephan Sterns – was seen in the area changing his tire. Also, Sterns was purportedly seen that morning at a nearby apartment complex in Kissimmee throwing away items in a dumpster. The items were identified as Soto's backpack and her school-issued laptop, according to WOFL.

Sheriff John Mina said of Sterns, "We believe he moved her body in those early morning hours, and all that is still under investigation."

Sterns claimed to have dropped off Madeline at Hunter's Creek Middle School, but she never went inside.

The Daily Mail reported, "Sterns, who has been identified as the prime suspect in her murder, was arrested on child porn charges and sexual battery after police recovered photos and videos on his phone which were described as 'disturbing.'"

In February, the Florida man was arrested and charged with eight counts of sexual battery on a child under 12, five counts of sexual battery with a child 12-18, seven counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, and 40 counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child 10 or more.

Law enforcement investigators accessed Sterns' cell phone and discovered "several explicit photos and videos of a young girl that appeared to have been recorded in the Kissimmee home he shared with Soto and her mother," according to Spectrum News 13.

Sterns abused the young girl at least two times when she was 11 and 12, according to the arrest affidavit.

Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland noted, "No one is not cooperating other than Sterns."

Thus far, no suspects have been charged in relation to Madeline's murder.

For the first time since his daughter's horrific murder, Madeline Soto's biological father is speaking publicly about the 13-year-old's heartbreaking death.

Tyler Wallace told WFTV on Friday, "I love what I had of her, but we’re supposed to have so much more. Maddie was just the most important person to my wife and I."

Wallace revealed that he had last spoken to his daughter on her 13th birthday – four days before she went missing.

Wallace – who lives in Texas – drove 14 hours to Florida after learning that she had gone missing on Feb. 26.

"Maddie was just the most important person to my wife and I, she was just full of joy," Wallace expressed.

Wallace was asked about Sterns – the "prime suspect" in his daughter's murder.

"As far as I was interpreting his demeanor, he seemed like a warm, interested but not responsive person," Wallace said of Sterns.

However, when asked about what he thinks about Sterns now, Wallace said of the stepfather: "I don't want to say that on camera. I can't communicate to you. Every father knows what I'm thinking right now."

Wallace was asked about what he thought Madeline's mother – Jennifer Soto – may have known about her boyfriend in relation to her slain daughter.

"I don't know and I am interested in knowing but I don't have reason to believe one way or the other right now. These are the things that the investigators are looking into," Wallace explained.

Wallace said Madeline "meant everything to us."

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'The light of my life': Family, community members gather in Osceola County to honor Madeline Soto... www.youtube.com

Wife's sexual encounters with Great Dane exposed after husband busted for masturbating near kids at store, possessing child porn: Cops



A husband and wife from Texas have been arrested after the Houston-area couple were hit with shocking sex crime accusations by police.

On March 13, police responded to a complaint at the H-E-B grocery store in Spring, Texas. Cops were called because a man was allegedly masturbating while he followed young children around the grocery store.

William Mitchell Keen was arrested on a charge of indecent exposure.

Law enforcement furthered the investigation, obtained a search warrant, seized Keen's phone, and found child pornography on the device. The father-of-two was later charged with indecency with a child by exposure.

On March 27, police raided the couple's home. Law enforcement arrested Keen and his wife, Joely Keen.

Investigators reportedly said the 52-year-old husband possessed around 100 images of child porn and was charged with a third-degree felony for the alleged child sex crimes.

Police allegedly discovered video of the mother-of-two engaging in "multiple sex acts" with the couple's Great Dane dog on the husband's cell phone.

Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in the world – weighing up to 175 pounds and standing at heights of up to 32 inches at the shoulder.

The 53-year-old wife was charged with bestiality.

The Great Dane and two other of the couple's dogs were turned over to Montgomery County Animal Services.

According to the Toronto Sun, "Nearby residents said the pair were known as 'big animal lovers.'"

The couple's two children – ages 10 and 18 – were sent to live with relatives.

"We don't know what kind of environment they were exposed to on a regular basis. Maybe they weren't exposed to anything. Maybe they were exposed to a lot," Montgomery County Constable Lieutenant Ken Washington said of the children.

"It's not normal. In the 20-plus years I’ve been doing this job, it doesn’t cease to amaze me, but then you see an animal involved, which makes this odd," Washington said.

The pair were released on bail.

The husband was a former U.S. Navy sailor. The wife had been a nurse until she was reportedly fired on Monday.

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Montgomery County couple bonds out of jail after being accused of sex crimes www.youtube.com


New Jersey youth wrestling coach – NCAA's first openly gay wrestler – sentenced to prison for distributing child porn



A New Jersey youth wrestling coach has been sentenced to serve over seven years in federal prison for reportedly disturbing child pornography.

Alec Donovan, of Brick, New Jersey, was sentenced on Thursday to serve 87 months in federal prison after being found guilty of distributing child porn. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi also sentenced Donovan to 30 years of supervised release.

Donovan, 26, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.

Court documents stated:

From January 2021 through March 2021, Donovan used an internet-based application to exchange multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse, including depictions involving pre-pubescent children. Donovan also used the web-based messaging application to solicit and engage in conversations with minors, including requesting nude photographs from the minors and sending nude photographs to them.

Donovan grabbed headlines in 2015 for becoming the "NCAA's first openly gay wrestler," according to the Associated Press.

The outlet added, "A 2017 story in the NCAA-published Champion magazine detailed Donovan's struggles with depression in high school and his efforts to counsel other gay wrestlers."

Donovan had been a youth wrestling coach and referee in New Jersey before being arrested.

The Asbury Park Press reported, "Donovan was also the NJSIAA seventh-place finisher at 145 pounds in 2014, a three-time state qualifier, the NJSIAA Region VI champion in 2015 and a four-time NJSIAA District 23 champion during his scholastic career from 2011 to 2015."

The investigation into the purported pedophile was launched by the Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark.

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