Florida church 'overseer' arrested on digital voyeurism charges: 'Tragic situation'
A worker at a Florida church was arrested last week on digital voyeurism charges after illicit images from the church bathroom and another area were reportedly found on the suspect's work computer at his other job.
Charles Barton Lucas, 59, who worked as a volunteer "overseer" at Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park, was arrested last Friday after the IT director at RoMac Building Supply, where Lucas also worked, discovered a Google Drive on his computer with inappropriate images of women and adolescent girls, according to local FOX35 Orlando.
A spokesperson for the Lake County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that police uncovered other videos of what appeared to be adolescent girls changing inside a church bathroom, which was determined to be from a hidden camera that had been installed there.
When police investigated the premises of Heritage Community Church, they reportedly found that the cameras had already been removed.
After being arrested Friday and taken to the Lake County Jail, Lucas was released Saturday afternoon after posting a $25,000 bond, the sheriff's department said.
An arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital showed that Lucas was listed as an "Overseer" at Heritage Community Church, whose leadership posted a statement about the situation Monday on its Facebook page.
"Our hearts are heavy as we continue to process this tragic situation. We recognize that many within our church family are experiencing a wide range of emotions, including hurt, confusion, anger, sadness, and grief," the statement read in part.
"Above all, our concern is for those who have been impacted and for the families walking through this difficult time. We are praying for healing, truth, and justice, and we are committed to providing care, support, and compassion to those who need it."
The church's staff said they were cooperating with authorities investigating the case, and noted that Lucas is no longer serving at the church "in any leadership, volunteer, or ministry capacity whatsoever." Lucas is also no longer employed with RoMac Building Supply, Fox News reports.
Heritage Community Church further informed congregants that they are employing a professional electronic detection and sweep company to detect any other potential recording devices, as well as "actively exploring professional counseling resources and support services for individuals and families impacted by this tragedy."
"We understand that news such as this can resurface painful experiences from the past or trigger difficult emotional responses related to previous experiences of abuse, sexual misconduct, or trauma," the church said.
"If that is part of your story, please know that our hearts grieve with you. We are deeply saddened that this situation may be causing additional pain, and we are committed to providing support and care for those who need it."
Church leadership also addressed the allegations against Lucas with the congregation in-person on Sunday, according to local News 6.
"Our greatest concern today is the individuals and families that may have been impacted," Lead Pastor Sidney Brock told them. "These are very serious allegations."
Administrative Pastor Melvin Davison told News 6 that the church is "being fully cooperative and our congregation, our staff, we're just kind of heartbroken right now over everything that's going on."
