Former Denison Youth Leader Chad Michael Rider Gets 60 Years For Child Porn

By Annie Gimbel, CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

February 21, 2023

Former youth pastor Chad Michael Rider, 49, of Anna was sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston said he was found guilty by a jury on July 22, 2022, of three counts of sexual exploitation of children.

"He used his trusted roles as a church leader, caregiver to at-risk teens, and as a trusted member of his community to plant secret recording devices in bathrooms and other places where children would be disrobed. This shocking breach of trust was committed by an individual who had falsely sewn a firm belief of good character of himself in so many parents in his community," Featherston said. "This case stands as a stark reminder of our common duty as citizens to watch out for the most vulnerable among us. I appreciate the members of law enforcement, community members, and especially the victims who had the courage to stand up and stop Rider before he could victimize others."

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