Pastor Used Church's Internet Access To Download Child Porn

[matcom]

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JACKSONVILLE - A pastor was arrested on charges he downloaded child pornography using his church's Internet connection, authorities said.

The Rev. Eric Michel Young of Fort Caroline United Methodist Church in Jacksonville was arrested Friday and charged with possessing any photo or representation that includes sexual conduct by a child younger than 18, authorities said.

The arrest followed a two-week investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service.

According to authorities, the Rev. Eric Michel Young was known online as "Eric the Awful" and "Master Rick," and made a habit of downloading child pornography.

Church leaders started their own investigation last month after their Internet service provider told them about inappropriate online use coming from the church's connection, a sheriff's report said.

The church then hired a technician to check computers, including a desktop computer in the pastor's office, for inappropriate material, police said.

The technician found Web site links, photos and mini-movies as well as files believed to be child porn, authorities said.

Young's wife declined comment.

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/10/State/Pastor_arrested_on_po.shtml