Jonathan Peternel, son of Indiana megachurch pastor Nathan Peternel, was arrested on seven felony counts, including child exploitation, in October. Now, new horrifying details about what investigators found on his phone come to light. And it has a link to convicted music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Pendleton, Indiana, was left in a state of shock as news of an arrest was made public some months ago, when Jonathan Peternel, from Pendleton, Indiana, the son of megachurch pastor Nathan Peternel, was arrested.
It came after the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force seized electronic devices from the 24-year-old’s home. He was arrested on October 23.
It occurred after the police had received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Submitted by Snapchat, it showed five files of suspected Child Sex Abuse Material, involving prepubescent children, the police said in a statement.
The police’s statement included disturbing details of what was found in Peternel’s electrical devices.
“A search warrant was conducted on Peternel’s residence, where further evidence was located showing that he possessed over 200 files of Child Sex Abuse Material. Some of this included sadomasochistic child abuse, children that appeared to be drugged or intoxicated while being abused, violent child molestation, and photorealistic AI-generated photos of nude pregnant toddlers,” it read.
Megachurch pastor’s son arrested over horrific abuse material
Among other disturbing things found, investigators claimed to have discovered sex tapes involving Jonathan’s parents, with his father, Nathan Peternel, being the pastor of a megachurch. They allegedly found more than 50 photos and videos on Jonathan’s phone of his nude parents.
Pastor Nathan Peternel addressed the videos during a tearful church service. He admitted that they were real, but that he and his wife had been “unwise but not sinful” in making them. Moreover, he states that he never expected the recordings to be found among their son’s files.
Now, new shocking information about Jonathan Peternel comes to light. Per the probable cause affidavit, reported by the Christian Post, both Jonathan and his father were at home when police knocked on the door.
The son of the megachurch pastor told investigators that he was a member of the Indiana National Guard, working as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic in Shelbyville.
Investigators found Snapchat group named “Diddy Disciples”
Moreover, as they went through his phone, they found a Snapchat group called “Diddy Disciples,” referencing the convicted music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently serving a 50-month sentence for violating the Mann Act.
Pastor Nathan Peternel’s church, Life Church in Indiana, released a statement on its website, saying it was “deeply saddened by the recent allegations” and calling it a “crisis.”
“Our prayers are with Pastor Nathan and his family during this incredibly difficult time, as well as with the families and individuals impacted by these events,” according to the unsigned statement. “Our hearts remain heavy for all who are suffering. As we walk through this challenging moment, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency.”
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