Mattoon, IL - A Mattoon pastor has been suspended from his church duties after being charged with sharing child pornography, officials confirmed.
Church Confirms Immediate Suspension
Douglas R. Overmyer, 51, had been serving as a supply pastor under the Great Lakes Annual Conference and was appointed to Zion Hill Church in Mattoon. Church officials announced that Overmyer was “immediately suspended” following his arrest.
Dr. G. Scott Pattison, Conference Superintendent for the Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church, issued a statement saying, “The Global Methodist Church condemns any form of abuse, and if called upon will cooperate fully with law enforcement. Because this is an active ongoing matter, we cannot provide additional details at this time. Our prayers are with all who may be affected.”
Police and Prosecutors Detail Charges
The Mattoon Police Department confirmed Overmyer’s arrest, and the Coles County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged him with a Class X felony. Court records allege that Overmyer shared a video depicting an underage girl and an adult male engaging in a sex act. The offense reportedly occurred “on or about May 20, 2025.”
Connections to Local Ministries and Organizations
A source familiar with the family verified that Overmyer is connected to Zion Hill Church and the online platform Seers See, which describes itself as a resource for people with “the seeing gift.” WCIA reached out to Zion Hill Church for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
The same source confirmed that Overmyer formerly served as Executive Director of CHI RHO Outdoors, a group providing outdoor experiences and mentoring for boys and young men. A representative for CHI RHO Outdoors confirmed by phone that Overmyer is no longer affiliated with the organization and declined to offer further comment.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities said the case remains under active investigation. No additional details have been released at this stage.
Illinois Attorney Explains Legal Steps for Victims of Pastoral Sexual Abuse
As communities react to reports of clergy misconduct, questions often arise about what victims can do to protect their rights and hold offenders accountable. Illinois sexual abuse lawyer Erv Nevitt discusses the legal paths available to those who have suffered sexual abuse by a pastor. Nevitt shared how survivors can pursue justice through both criminal prosecution and civil litigation while receiving the support and protection they deserve.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When allegations like these surface, what steps can victims take if they believe they’ve been harmed by a pastor or other church leader?
Erv Nevitt, Esq.: Victims have several options. They can file a police report, which starts the criminal process, and they may also have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against the individual offender and, in some cases, the institution that employed them. These civil actions can help survivors seek compensation for emotional trauma, therapy costs, and other damages.
Banville: Does church leadership bear any responsibility in situations where a pastor is accused?
Nevitt: If a church or its leadership failed to act on warnings or ignored red flags, they can be held liable under Illinois law. It depends on what they knew and how they responded to prior complaints. Accountability often extends beyond the offender to include institutions that allowed abuse to continue unchecked.
Banville: What advice would you give to someone afraid to come forward?
Nevitt: They should reach out to an attorney experienced in clergy abuse cases who can guide them confidentially. There are victim advocacy resources available in Illinois to help them take the first step safely.
Legal Support for Survivors and Families
Victims of clergy sexual abuse—and their families—do not have to face this trauma alone. Our experienced legal team helps survivors understand their rights and explore every option for accountability and healing. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a pastor or church official, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help you take the next step toward justice.
Source
https://www.wcia.com/coles-county/mattoon-pastor-facing-child-porn-charge/
