New Child Sex Abuse, Porn Charges Against Pastor: Manatee Sheriff

PALMETTO, FL — New child sexual abuse and child porn charges have been filed against a Palmetto pastor as part of an ongoing investigation, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Jonathan Elwing was charged with two counts of capital sexual battery, six counts of production of child sexual abuse material and six counts of child porn possession.

The 43-year-old was originally arrested June 21 and charged with possession of child porn.

He resigned from his position as senior pastor at Palm View Baptist Church just before his arrest.

• Also Read: Pastor Bought Child Porn Using Crypto: Manatee County Sheriff's Office

After his arrest, a forensic search of his cell phone found images of him sexually battering a child, as well as the production and possession of 12 images of child pornography. This is in addition to the four sexually explicit images found in his possession leading to his arrest, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives continue to examine Elwing’s cell phone and expect to find more illegal material on his computer.

Anyone with information about potential crimes involving Elwing is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, or to remain anonymous and to be eligible for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.