Pastor & Associate Indicted in Child Porn Ring

PLANO, Texas – The dark underbelly of North Texas has been exposed with the indictment of two men on charges of conspiring to sexually exploit children. David Pettigrew, 48, of Denison, and Chad Michael Rider, 46, of Anna, are accused of participating in a sickening ring involving the production of child pornography, according to a statement released today by U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox.

An indictment returned by a grand jury alleges that Pettigrew and Rider conspired to sexually exploit children. Pettigrew faces an additional charge of transporting child pornography. Both men have pleaded “not guilty” and now face a grim reckoning with the federal justice system. The revelation is particularly disturbing given Pettigrew’s recent position as head pastor of the Denison Church of the Nazarene – a betrayal of trust that has shaken the local community.

The investigation began with referrals from electronic surveillance providers and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, flagging suspicious activity on online platforms. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents acted swiftly, executing federal search warrants on August 6, 2020, at Pettigrew’s residence and the Denison Church of the Nazarene, leading to his arrest. Rider’s residence was searched on August 21, 2020. Authorities are now piecing together the full scope of the operation and the identities of any potential victims.

The investigation has uncovered evidence that children were secretly photographed in private settings, shielded from the knowledge and protection of their parents. This isn’t just about images; it’s about the violation of innocence and the lasting trauma inflicted upon vulnerable victims. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this case, or potential victims who may have interacted with Pettigrew or Rider, to come forward. Detailed messages, including contact information, should be sent to HSIDallasVictimInfo@ice.dhs.gov.

If convicted, both Pettigrew and Rider could face a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years behind federal bars. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in 2006 to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project leverages resources from federal, state, and local agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute perpetrators, and to rescue victims caught in this horrific cycle.

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa J. Miller and Jay Combs. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not proof of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the evidence uncovered thus far paints a disturbing picture, and Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely as it unfolds.

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