Crime & Safety
Pastor Bought Child Porn Using Crypto: Manatee County Sheriff's Office
A Palmetto pastor was arrested Friday and charged with possession of child pornography, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.
PALMETTO, FL — A Palmetto pastor was arrested Friday and charged with possession of child pornography, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Detectives received information Thursday that Jonathan Edward Elwing, 43, senior pastor of Palm View Baptist Church, used cryptocurrency to buy child sexual abuse material online.
A search warrant was executed at his Palmetto church and his home on Friday, the sheriff’s office said.
Find out what's happening in Bradentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Elwing was charged with four counts of possession of child pornography. He was taken into custody and booked into the Manatee County Jail.
He resigned his position as pastor of the church before being arrested, MCSO said.
Find out what's happening in Bradentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
