Indiana Megachurch Shaken: Pastor’s Son Arrested After 200+ Illegal Files and Family Videos Found
INDIANAPOLIS — The quiet town of Pendleton and the larger conservative-Christian community surrounding Life Church were shaken this month after 24-year-old Jonathan Wesley Peternel — son of senior pastor Nathan Peternel — was arrested on multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse material.
According to court records, the investigation began after a tip to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children flagged suspected illegal files linked to a Snapchat account under Peternel’s name. Detectives executed a lawful search of the Peternel home on September 10, seizing several electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, phones, and storage drives.
A forensic review allegedly uncovered more than 200 files described by investigators as severe child sexual abuse material, including some items they say appeared to be AI-generated. The files also reportedly included more than 50 intimate photos or videos involving Peternel’s parents. Prosecutors have not suggested the parents face criminal exposure at this time, and no separate charges have been filed.
Peternel is charged with one count of child exploitation, a Level 4 felony, and multiple counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, classified as Level 5 and Level 6 felonies. He has pleaded not guilty, and his bond was set at $25,000.
In a sermon delivered after the arrest, Pastor Nathan Peternel addressed the congregation directly. He acknowledged that he and his wife had privately recorded intimate videos of themselves but said the files were kept in a password-protected account and claimed their son accessed them without permission while “high.” He condemned his son’s alleged actions as “a wicked sin” and urged church members to respond with prayer and unity rather than division.
The case has deeply unsettled Life Church, which includes a campus led by Indiana lieutenant governor Micah Beckwith. Members describe confusion, grief, and internal strain as church leadership attempts to stabilize the situation.
Public documents do not independently confirm the origin of the intimate videos, and the only detailed account so far comes from Pastor Peternel’s remarks. Additional forensic review is ongoing, and prosecutors may update or amend the charges as they evaluate the evidence.
A series of status hearings is expected in the coming weeks as the case moves forward through Indiana’s courts. Life Church continues to face questions and heightened public scrutiny as its leaders navigate the fallout.