A well-known Texas pastor and worship leader has been arrested and charged in connection with a long-running child pornography case. Jon Paul Sheptock, 49, was taken into custody by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers after an investigation by the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit revealed he was allegedly in possession of and had produced child sexual abuse material.
At the time of his arrest, Sheptock served as the worship minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church in Montgomery, Texas.
The investigation began in August following a tip about Sheptock’s alleged involvement in child sexual exploitation. According to court records, the accusations stem from a case dating back nine years.
As reported by ABC 13, “The alleged victim testified that the crime started nine years ago when she was 17, a senior in high school. Court records show she told detectives she believes Sheptock stole a photo from her iCloud photo account.”
The image in question was an explicit photo. Investigators say Sheptock used it to blackmail the victim into sending additional photos. She also told authorities that Sheptock showed her explicit images of other women and minors.
Detectives with Montgomery County Precinct 3 finalized their investigation last week and determined there was sufficient probable cause to arrest Sheptock. However, when law enforcement arrived at his home to serve a search warrant, he was not there.
According to KHOU 13, “When detectives arrived at Sheptock’s residence to execute the search warrant, he was not present. They later located him in Gatesville, Texas, and contacted the Texas Department of Public Safety for assistance in apprehending him. He was found at the Dr. Lane Murray Unit Prison in Gatesville, where he was providing ministry services to inmates.”
First Montgomery Baptist Church released a public statement following the arrest, saying: “We removed Jon 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.”
On September 29, the church’s pastor said they requested authorities retrieve Sheptock’s church-issued computer “to ensure it contains no unlawful content.”
Sheptock, a fervent Trump supporter who has been associated with far right and religious circles, now faces serious federal charges. If convicted, he could serve up to 20 years in prison.
