Church Leader Gets Probation, Must Register As Sex Offender

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A church leader who was accused of downloading child pornography was sentenced Thursday.

Rev. John Adams, 56, of Mount Calvary Freewill Baptist Church in Darbydale was arrested in early July on child pornography charges, NBC 4 reported.

Adams was sentenced Thursday to four years of probation and community control and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next 20 years.

“The files contained images of preteen children engaging in sexual acts,“ prosecutors said in court during Adams’ arraignment. “He further stated he downloaded and viewed child porn numerous times.“

Adams pleaded guilty to one charge of pandering minor-sexual.

Upper Arlington police said they monitored Adams’ Internet activity May through July. Officers executed a search warrant at his north Columbus home Monday, July 7.

“It just so happened at the time we executed it, he was downloading porn,“ said Upper Arlington police Detective Jim Hamilton. “It appeared from the titles on the screen that he was involved in downloading child pornography at that time.“

Area neighbors said that the pastor was a decent and well-respected man, expressing their shock at the allegations.

Adams also retired from Central Ohio Transit Authority last spring after 17 years as a bus driver. COTA officials said Adams’ record was clean.

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