Florida pastor arrested for child pornography, former Immanuel employee faces additional charges • Biblical Recorder

Florida pastor arrested for child pornography

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

The church on the southern edge of Tampa Bay confirmed the arrest of 43-year-old Elwing on its Facebook page that same evening. Elwing had left the church before his arrest.

The church’s deacons chairman told local news that Palm View has held several trainings on recognizing signs of sexual abuse. He added that Elwing, who started at the church in November 2019, according to online records, succeeded a pastor who had been a part of the congregation for 41 years.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigators received information the day before that Elwing had purchased the images online using cryptocurrency. Officers found four “sexually explicit child photos” on his cellphone Friday after executing a search warrant on his home and office. Elwing remains in the Manatee County Jail and must post $15,000 bail on each charge.

The Conservative Baptist Network, whose Florida leadership was Elwing, released a statement on June 22.

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

Anyone with additional information about crimes in which Elwing may be involved is asked to call Manatee County Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-8477. Tips remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

New sexual assault and kidnapping charges filed against former Immanuel employee

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (BP) – A former employee of Immanuel Baptist Church has been arrested on new charges stemming from an allegation more than five years old.

Patrick Stephen Miller served as the church’s assistant director of child services from May 2014 to January 2016. He turned himself in to authorities on June 21 after being charged with second-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping. Miller pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bail.

Allegations from an elementary school-aged victim led to a plea agreement in January 2022 for Miller, who was downgraded from second-degree sexual assault to harassment as a minor offense. Miller also received a one-year suspended sentence with 19 days of credit for time already served and was not required to register as a sex offender.

Friday’s indictment stems from allegations made by a second plaintiff, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.

Last December, Immanuel’s leadership was criticized for withholding information about the case from its congregation. After months of controversy over the matter, Stephen Smith delivered his final sermon as pastor on April 7, a 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 organization, please contact us for help at 202-864-5578 or (email protected). All calls are confidential.