Newton Pastor Pleads Guilty to ChildPorn Production

BEAUMONT, Texas – A former Newton County youth pastor has faced a federal court for his shocking descent into the darkest corners of child exploitation. Trevion Lechay Ethridge, 23, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

According to information presented in court, Ethridge’s reign of terror as a youth pastor at a Newton County church lasted from November 2012 to March 2013. During that time, he manipulated a minor into creating and sending him pornographic images via smartphone. His sinister scheme was uncovered by law enforcement, leading to his October 2013 indictment.

On May 12, 2014, the trial commenced, only to be recessed after two days. Ethridge returned to court on June 3, 2014, where he changed his plea and admitted to his monstrous acts. This case is a stark reminder of Project Safe Childhood’s relentless fight against child sexual exploitation.

Project Safe Childhood, initiated by the Department of Justice in May 2006, has been at the forefront of battling this epidemic. Ethridge now faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison. His sentencing date is yet to be determined.

The investigation into Ethridge’s heinous crimes was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations, Newton Police Department, and Beaumont Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randall L. Fluke and Lauren Gaston are handling the prosecution.

As the grim details of this case come to light, the nation is left with a renewed sense of urgency in protecting our children from such predators. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.