Palmetto pastor photographed himself sexually battering child: deputies

Video above: Palmetto church in shock after pastor arrested on child porn charges

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A former Manatee County pastor accused of having child pornography on his devices also photographed himself sexually battering a child, the sheriff’s office announced Thursday.

Jonathan Elwing, 43, resigned his position at Palm View First Baptist Church in Palmetto last week before his arrest on four counts of child pornography possession. He was accused of buying the images online using cryptocurrency.

An additional search of his phone turned up images of Elwing sexually battering a child under the age of 12, and 12 additional images of child pornography, some of which were produced by him, according to the sheriff’s office.

In total, Elwing is charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, six counts of production of child pornography, and two counts of capital sexual battery, according to Manatee County Jail records.

“Detectives continue to examine Elwing’s cell phone and expect to find more illegal material on his computer,” the sheriff’s office release said. “Additional charges are forthcoming.”

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