Megachurch Pastor’s Son Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges

A 24-year-old man from Indiana, who is the son of a well-known megachurch pastor, has been arrested on seven felony charges, including child exploitation, following a police investigation that uncovered deeply disturbing material on his electronic devices.

Jonathan Wesley Peternel of Pendleton, Indiana, was taken into custody on October 23 after investigators from the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force executed a search warrant at his home. Authorities say the case began after law enforcement received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which had been submitted by Snapchat.

According to police, the tip referenced five files of suspected child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent children. That initial report prompted a broader investigation into Peternel’s online activity and electronic devices.

Disturbing Evidence Found

When officers searched Peternel’s residence, they seized multiple digital devices. Investigators later stated that they located more than 200 files of alleged child sexual abuse material. In a public statement, police described the content as including extreme and violent material, images suggesting children were drugged or impaired, and digitally created images involving minors.

The nature of the materials shocked investigators and led to the filing of multiple felony charges, including a Level 4 felony count of child exploitation. Peternel has since entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

Family Connection to Megachurch

Jonathan Peternel is the son of Nathan Peternel, the lead pastor of Life Church, a large and well-known congregation in Indiana. Authorities confirmed that Pastor Peternel was present when investigators served the search warrant at the family’s home in September, roughly one month before his son’s arrest.

Following the arrest, additional controversy emerged after media reports claimed investigators had also discovered private recordings involving Jonathan’s parents stored among the seized files. During an emotional church service, Pastor Peternel publicly addressed the reports, confirming that the recordings existed but stating that he and his wife had been “unwise but not sinful” in creating them. He said he never anticipated those files would be found in connection with the investigation.

Church Issues Statement

Life Church released a statement on its website expressing sorrow over the situation and describing it as a serious crisis for the congregation.

“Our prayers are with Pastor Nathan and his family during this incredibly difficult time, as well as with the families and individuals impacted by these events,” the statement read. “Our hearts remain heavy for all who are suffering. As we walk through this challenging moment, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency.”

Leadership Responds Publicly

Pastor Chad McAtee, superintendent of the Assemblies of God, later addressed the congregation at Life Church on November 16. He spoke in support of Nathan Peternel, describing him as a man of character and faith.

“I’ve known Pastor Nathan for more than two decades,” McAtee said. “He’s a man that loves his family and a man that loves God.”

However, as the situation unfolded, additional allegations involving Nathan Peternel began to surface.

New Allegations Emerge

Following Jonathan Peternel’s arrest, 24Sight News published claims from former members of the church’s youth program. One former participant alleged that the pastor had asked inappropriate questions related to sexuality and had spoken about his own sex life.

Another woman, identified only as Paige, claimed she received marriage counseling from Pastor Peternel when she was 17 years old and alleged that the sessions included explicit and inappropriate questions.

In response to growing concerns, McAtee later issued another statement, calling the situation “very disappointing” and “very upsetting.” He urged church members to avoid gossip and to remain united during the crisis.

“Some of this even seemed unbelievable,” he said. “I understand that this storm will pass for most of us in the room, but your pastor’s heart and your pastor’s family will never be the same.”

Case Remains Ongoing

Jonathan Peternel has been released on bond while awaiting further legal proceedings. His defense attorney has not issued a public statement, and prosecutors have not yet announced a trial date. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may emerge as the case moves through the court system.