A youth pastor from Futures Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, has been arrested on multiple charges related to child pornography. Daniel Menelaou, 28, was taken into custody following a police investigation that revealed he had been sharing explicit material involving minors. The church community is reeling from the news, expressing shock and dismay at the allegations against one of their own.
Key Takeaways
- Daniel Menelaou, a youth pastor at Futures Church, was arrested for possession and sharing of child pornography.
- The arrest followed a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
- Futures Church has condemned Menelaou’s actions and emphasized their commitment to child protection.
- The investigation is ongoing, with potential for additional charges.
Details of the Arrest
The Roswell Police Department, in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant at Menelaou’s residence after receiving a cybertip. During the search, several electronic devices were seized for further analysis. According to police reports, Menelaou is facing six counts of possession of materials depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct.
Investigators revealed that Menelaou had uploaded multiple videos showing minors engaged in sexual acts and shared these images via the messaging app Kik. This alarming behavior has raised serious concerns about the safety of children in the community.
Church Response
Futures Church, which operates under the Assemblies of God denomination, expressed their horror at the allegations. In a statement, church officials stated:
- "The charges against Daniel Menelaou are abhorrent, appalling, and completely contrary to everything we stand for."
- They emphasized their zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of abuse and confirmed that Menelaou was placed on administrative leave immediately upon learning of his arrest.
- The church has committed to supporting victims of abuse and ensuring the safety of their community.
Pastor Tony Cornbridge of Futures Church expressed deep sorrow over the situation, stating that the church community is grieving and processing the shocking news. He reassured members that the church is dedicated to protecting children and will cooperate fully with law enforcement during the investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Menelaou’s activities is still active, with police indicating that there may be further charges as they continue to analyze the seized electronic devices. Authorities are particularly concerned about the implications of Menelaou’s position as a youth pastor, which granted him access to vulnerable individuals.
Officer Tim Lupo of the Roswell Police Department highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, "When we have somebody who is engaging in this type of behavior, who also occupies a position of authority or influence with young people, that’s something that we’re going to look into very closely."
Community Impact
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting discussions about child safety and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority. Futures Church has reiterated its commitment to child protection and has stated that they will review their policies and safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the church and the community are left to grapple with the implications of this tragic event, emphasizing the need for vigilance and support for victims of abuse.
Sources
- Futures Church Youth Pastor Daniel Menelaou arrested, Christian Post.
- Youth pastor charged with possessing and sharing child sex abuse material, FOX 5 Atlanta.
