Youth Pastor at Monroe County Church Arrested in Multi-State Child Pornography Probe

MONROE COUNTY, GA — A 30-year-old youth pastor at a local church is in custody and awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania following an investigation into the distribution and downloading of child pornography. John Tyler Moreland, of Macon, Georgia, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Houston County on multiple outstanding warrants.

Moreland was employed as the youth pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located off Rivoli Road in Macon, GA (Monroe County).

The Pennsylvania Connection

The investigation began with the Pennsylvania State Police, who tracked the downloading of pornographic images to the immediate area of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Following their digital forensic probe, Pennsylvania authorities issued five arrest warrants for Moreland.

Details from the investigation indicate that the illicit activity was tied directly to the church’s location, though it has not yet been confirmed if church equipment was utilized.

Current Status and FBI Involvement

Moreland is currently being held without bond as Pennsylvania officials move forward with the extradition process. However, his legal troubles may expand locally:

Federal Collaboration: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI have launched a joint investigation to determine if any crimes were committed within the state of Georgia.
Search Warrants: Investigators have already obtained and executed search warrants for electronic devices in both Monroe and Bibb Counties.

Call for Community Information

Given Moreland’s position of trust and regular contact with minors at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, authorities are looking for anyone who may have relevant information regarding his conduct in Georgia.

If you have information that could assist investigators, please contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office: