When the new charges were filed, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MSO) revealed disturbing details surrounding Elwing’s case, including the fact that some of the CSAM images discovered on Elwing’s devices were recordings of Elwing sexually abusing a 2-year-old child.
Prior to his arrest, Elwing had been involved with SBC denominational politics. Elwing was one of many voices in the SBC expressing suspicion toward the denomination’s sexual abuse reforms.
In a February 2023 social media post, Elwing expressed his belief that creating a database of pastors, denominational leaders, ministry employees, and volunteers who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse would “be the end of the SBC.”
Elwing will now spend the rest of his life behind bars after sexually abusing at least one child and possessing abusive material.
The trial was held on April 20-21, and Elwing was sentenced immediately after the guilty verdict was handed down on April 21. Elwing was given 12 life sentences, with three of those sentences to be served consecutively. The remaining sentences were given concurrently.
Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik, who led the prosecution, said, “The State would like to recognize the diligent work of the MSO Crimes Against Children Detectives who were able to obtain overwhelming evidence of this defendant’s guilt.”
“Their efforts ensure that no children will be exposed to any additional harm at the hands of this defendant,” added Dusnik. “We would also like to thank the members of the jury for their time and careful consideration in this disturbing case.”
In a statement posted to its website, Palm View Baptist Church said, “The trial of former pastor Jonathan Elwing on charges related to child sexual abuse concluded with guilty verdicts on all counts. We pray for the continued healing of those directly and indirectly involved in this case, especially the victim and the victim’s family.”
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“The details presented in court are horrific, and cry out for justice. As the window for appeal is still open, we will not make further comments regarding the verdict,” the statement added. “We thank those involved in the legal process, especially law enforcement, court officials, witnesses, and jury members.”
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