Jonathan Peternel, 24, of Pendleton, was sentenced Friday for one Level 4 felony count of child exploitation and three felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
The criminal case has drawn significant attention due to Peternel’s ties to Life Church in Indiana, where his father is a well-known pastor. For years, Pastor Nathan Peternel, a close associate of Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, had been a prominent advocate for sexual morality and Christian conservative values.
In October 2025, he stepped down from his role following allegations against his 24-year-old son, Jonathan Wesley Peternel, who was charged with multiple felony counts related to child sexual abuse material.
Authorities executed a search warrant at the Peternel family home and seized several electronic devices. According to court records, forensic analysis identified more than 200 files of suspected child sexual abuse material.
Jonathan Peternel has been sentenced
Investigators reported that the material included “sadomasochistic child abuse” as well as photorealistic AI-generated images depicting nude children. Authorities also alleged the files included violent molestation, intoxicated minors, and other disturbing images. Chat logs reviewed by investigators indicated that explicit material had been shared in a Snapchat group called “Diddy Disciples.”
Among the hundreds of files recovered, investigators also found private recordings of Pastor Nathan Peternel and his wife.
Madison Superior Court 6 Judge Mark Dudley issued the sentence Friday after Jonathan Peternel pleaded guilty in January to one Level 4 felony count of child exploitation and three felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. A plea agreement limited the executed portion of the sentence to six years, and Dudley imposed the maximum allowed under that agreement.
Apologized to his parents
According to reports, the courtroom was filled at the time of sentencing. Both of Jonathan Peternel’s parents were present. Before the sentence was announced, Peternel addressed the court directly.
“Your honor first I want to say that I’m deeply sorry. I hate my sin that I’ve committed,” he said. “I want to apologize to anybody who has fallen victim to my behavior.”
He continued by apologizing to his loved ones as well as the church community, and turned to his parents: “I’m sorry for putting you in this humiliating situation. You’ve been dishonored, your wonderful reputations have been ruined and your names have been dragged through the mud all because I cared about myself more than you.”
Jonathan Peternel described his actions as being “completely contrary to the way [he] was raised.” He told the court that while in custody he recommitted his life to Christianity.
“I promise to spend the rest of my life fighting the wickedness that I participated in,” he said. “Through faith in the Lord, I trust that your sentence will be proper.”
Peternel was sentenced to six years for child exploitation, along with additional terms of three years for each of two Level 5 possession convictions and one year for a Level 6 possession conviction. All sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of six years, with four years in the Indiana Department of Correction and two years suspended to probation. He must register as a lifetime sex offender and will receive credit for time already served after remaining in custody without posting bond.
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