A former Indiana youth minister has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to nine counts of possessing child sex abuse material (CSAM), the United States attorney for the Southern District of Indiana announced on Friday (March 5). Aaron Paul Lockman, 24, will also be required to pay $9,000 in restitution.
Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse, which some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.
The press statement did not disclose the name of the church where Lockman served as a youth minister. The district attorney did specify that the church is in Jasper, Indiana, and that in his role at the church, Lockman “was entrusted with supervising young boys and frequently took them on one‑on‑one outings, including trips to local restaurants.”
RELATED: Trial Date Set for Former SBC Pastor Charged With Producing and Possessing CSAM
WFIE identified the church as Redemption Christian Church, a multisite congregation headquartered in Jasper.
In a statement emailed to ChurchLeaders, Redemption Christian Church said, “Upon learning of the allegations, Redemption immediately—and fully—cooperated with law enforcement authorities in their investigation.”
“The church also took swift action internally, terminating Lockman’s employment at the church—effective immediately after learning of the investigation—and barring him from all church properties,” the church said. “Parents, as well as Redemption’s children’s and student ministry volunteers, were notified of the situation within 48 hours.”
Redemption Christian Church said that it also promptly notified the entire congregation.
“Authorities have not made us aware of any children at the church ever being victimized by Lockman. Policies and procedures forbade Lockman from being alone with children as a staff member,” the church said. Redemption Christian Church also indicated that Lockman had passed a background check and other screenings but that “we were among the many in Lockman’s life who were deceived—on many occasions—in this process.”
Redemption Christian Church said that it “continually” conducts reviews on its safety protocols and is “committed to offering support and resources—including counseling—to anyone impacted by these events.”
RELATED: Pastor’s Son Will Spend 4 Years in Prison Following Guilty Plea in CSAM Case
“Redemption remains dedicated to its mission of loving God and loving people and we are steadfast in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We are thankful justice has been and is being served,” said the church. Read Redemption Christian Church’s full statement here.
