Montgomery, TX – A former worship pastor and Christian recording artist known for publicly sharing his story of living with congenital limb differences has been arrested and charged with distributing child pornography. Authorities say the charges stem from a months-long investigation involving digital evidence and a report from a victim connected to a past incident.
Former Worship Pastor and Singer Charged With Child Exploitation Offenses
Jon Paul Sheptock, 49, served as the worship minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church. Detectives with the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office received a tip in August that Sheptock possessed and distributed illegal materials involving minors. When authorities attempted to take him into custody at his Gatesville home on September 26, he was not present. He was later found and arrested at a women’s correctional facility, where he had been leading worship services for inmates.
Church Removes Minister After Notification of Charges
Senior Pastor Chris Gober announced to the congregation on September 27 that Sheptock had been removed immediately from all duties at the church. Gober clarified that Sheptock did not directly oversee children’s programs except for occasional participation in large gatherings with multiple adults present.
“At this point, we have no information indicating that any children under our care were impacted,” Gober said. “We are taking every precaution to protect our kids and preserve the integrity of this ministry.”
Victim Statement and Digital Evidence
Court documents show that a victim, now an adult, informed law enforcement that nine years ago, when she was a 17-year-old high school senior, Sheptock gained access to her iCloud account and stole a nude photograph. The affidavit states that after sending her image back to her, Sheptock pressured her for additional explicit photos and sent her a video depicting an assault, suggesting that similar harm could occur if she did not comply.
According to the statement, the victim did not initially report the incident because she feared her parents’ reaction. Investigators say Sheptock had in his possession multiple nude photos of adults and minors. A separate message sent to the victim in October last year allegedly included a nude image of underage girls.
Church Confirms No Known Child Victims Among Congregation
On September 29, First Montgomery Baptist Church stated that investigators had found no link between the alleged offenses and any minors within the congregation. An October 7 update noted a new report received from an adult associated with the church, but reaffirmed that no minors connected to church programs had been identified as victims.
“We are fully cooperating with investigators and have shared all information available,” Gober said. “We remain committed to openness and accountability.”
Background on the Accused Worship Pastor
Sheptock’s now-deleted website once described his life story of being born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other. The biography portrayed his rise as a Christian musician and traveling speaker with a message of endurance and faith. It also mentioned that he and his wife of 26 years have three daughters and were preparing to welcome their first granddaughter.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years under state law.
Texas Attorney Explains Legal Options for Victims Abused by Religious Leaders
When allegations surface involving misconduct by a religious figure, families often struggle to understand what steps they can take. In an interview, Texas lawyer Anjali Nigam explains how state law addresses cases of abuse by pastors and church staff, outlining the legal rights victims and their families have to hold offenders and institutions accountable.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When an arrest like this involves a faith leader, what immediate actions can a family take if they believe a relative may have been harmed?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: The first step is to contact law enforcement or child protective services to ensure the safety of any potential victims. Once that’s done, families should speak with an attorney experienced in handling abuse within religious or institutional settings to understand what civil claims may exist beyond the criminal case.
Banville: How do civil cases differ when the accused held a position within a church?
Nigam: Civil suits can address failures in supervision or reporting that may have allowed the misconduct to occur. Texas law allows victims to seek damages not only from the individual but also from an organization if evidence shows negligence in oversight or hiring.
Banville: Do churches have a legal duty to act after learning about such allegations?
Nigam: Absolutely. Churches must cooperate with authorities and take steps to prevent further harm. Transparency with members and full support for investigators go a long way in restoring trust and protecting future potential victims.
Free Legal Help for Families Affected by Abuse
Victims and families impacted by misconduct involving a religious leader deserve experienced legal support. Our team is ready to guide you through your options and help protect your rights. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.
