An Indiana “church elder” thought he was texting a 14-year-old girl when he wrote, “…For some reason, I’m attracted to younger girls.” In reality, he was texting an undercover police officer and was arrested shortly after.
Nicholas Jackson, 39, met the undercover officer, who he believed to be a 14-year-old white female, in a local chatroom called Bargersville Friends, which police said is known for multiple crimes including fraud, drugs, prostitution, and porn, as reported by FOX 59.
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Jackson went on to say, “…For some reason, I’m attracted to younger girls,” and requested to see a nude photo of the teen, according to court documents. The officer sent Jackson a stock image of a fully clothed girl, which led to Jackson making sexual comments about the image and requesting to meet her, as reported by The IndyStar.
Jackson also shared audio recordings and photos with the girl of himself performing sexual acts in the church. He later drove to the apartment complex where he thought the girl lived, but left, claiming that he “got nervous,” according to court documents.
When Jackson first introduced himself to the teen, he identified himself as “happily married” and as a Seminary student. Officers later found out during the investigation that he was also a substitute teacher.
On Dec. 15, detectives arrived at the church and asked to interview him. According to the affidavit, Jackson agreed and surrendered two electronic devices, telling detectives that he was a church elder and that he led church mission trips to Guatemala.
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Jackson surrendered to police after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was charged with child solicitation, possession of child pornography, and attempt to commit dissemination of matter harmful to minors.
* Original Article:
https://themessenger.com/news/indiana-church-elder-thought-undercover-officer-was-teen-girl
