Former Palmetto pastor bought child pornography online, MCSO says

Rachel Tucker
·1 min read
13

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A pastor from Palmetto was accused of buying child pornography online, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Jonathan Edward Elwing, 43, was the senior pastor at Palm View Baptist Church in Palmetto.

The sheriff’s office searched Elwing’s home and the church on Friday. Deputies said they found four “sexually explicit photos of children” on his cellphone and he used cryptocurrency to purchase the material online.

Elwing resigned from his position at the church before he was arrested.

Jonathan Edward Elwing, 43 (Manatee County Sheriff’s Office)
Jonathan Edward Elwing, 43 (Manatee County Sheriff’s Office)

He was charged with four counts of possession of child pornography.

The sheriff’s office asks anyone with information about crimes that may involve Elwing to call them at (941) 747-3011, or to remain anonymous and to be eligible for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-8477 (TIPS) or online on the Crime Stoppers website.

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