UPDATE: Point of Grace Pastor Says Jonathan Payne is a 'Nice Guy'

Jonathan Payne, a Waukee father of two young boys, volunteered as a Cub Scout leader for Pack 181 and led — along with his wife — a couples group at his church before he was charged with allegedly possessing child pornography.

Jeff Mullen, lead pastor at Point of Grace Church in Waukee, described Payne, an active member at Point of Grace, as "a nice guy."

Mullen said he was neither shocked nor surprised when he first heard allegations that images of child pornography had been found on Payne's computer.

"After 24 years in the ministry, I'm not shocked by much anymore," Mullen said. "I understand human nature. I’ve heard all the stories. We all as humans have struggled with new situations; I’m not really shocked by anything anymore."

Trial Set to Begin March 5

Payne was arrested on Oct. 28 and charged with two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography on his computer. Federal officials had been investigating him since February 2010.

This story first came to light when an ABC5 news story reported that Payne would appear in U.S. District Court for Southern Iowa on March 5 on child pornography charges.

Peter Berger, the attorney representing Payne, said simply, "He’s been indicted and the case is headed to court."

Berger declined to comment on the details of the case.

Phone messages left for Payne seeking comment were not returned.

Waukee Church Supporting Family

Mullen said the church has known about the accusations leveled against Payne and has been helping his family through this difficult time with offers of counseling and general support for Payne's wife, Lisa, and their sons.

"When we found out, we reached out and made sure that everyone in the family was taken care of," Mullen said. "We made sure they've had counseling for the family ... we only want the best for Jonathan and his wife and their kids. We've done everything we can to support that."

Mullen added that time will only tell Payne's fate. He said whatever the outcome, the church will continue to support the family.

"We don’t condone the things that people do," Mullen said. "We still love people. God does not condone what we do. But he loves us unconditionally."

Robert Hopper, the scout executive for the Mid-Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America told the Des Moines Register Payne had been a Cub Scout leader in Waukee and said the organization revoked his membership last October.

As is typical in these cases, Payne is prohibited from being around minors except for his two children and from using the Internet, the Register reported.