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Youth Pastor Charged With Child Porn Allegedly Used Church Wi-Fi To Access Images

Edward Wilds III
Screengrab via FOX30

Following an 11-month investigation, Florida youth pastor and middle-school teacher Edward Wilds III was arrested April 14 and charged with possessing child pornography. The 45-year-old, who bonded out of jail, served at Palatka Baptist Temple Church, where his father, Edward Wilds II, is lead pastor.

Authorities say they found 54,000 images—most of which were pornographic—on accounts and devices linked to the younger Wilds. They also said he allegedly stayed late after a Wednesday evening service to download child porn via the church’s Wi-Fi.

Online Tip Led to Child Porn Investigation

Putnam County Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said his office received a tip last May about Wilds’ use of social media, including allegations he was sending nude photos of himself to kids.

“Detectives discovered messaging conversations where Wilds was asked by another user for images of children between the ages of 14 to 16 years old,” the sheriff’s office said. “He sent 42 images.”

In addition to the charge of possessing child porn, Wilds is charged with “using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.” The investigation is ongoing, and DeLoach said he expects more charges to be filed. As part of Wilds’ release on $20,000 bond, he is not to have contact with children or access the internet.

Last month, authorities conducted a “forensic download” of the youth pastor’s electronic devices. When Wilds was arrested, detectives said, he revealed that one social media site had banned him several times.

Sheriff DeLoach called this “a clear-cut case of child sexual exploitation,” adding that “Wilds’ behavior is disgusting, vile, and repugnant.” He urged citizens to “be vigilant in protecting our children from all forms of abuse.” The sheriff also had harsh words for “all the sick, perverted scum who commit these crimes and whose moral compass is nonexistent,” warning, “I’m personally coming for you.”

School District Places Teacher on Leave

Since 2011, Wilds has taught at several Putnam County schools. His most recent job was at Middleton-Burney Elementary School in Crescent City, Florida, where he taught sixth grade.

At the sheriff’s news conference, superintendent Rick Surrency said that no evidence points to students in the district being victimized by Wilds. However, he said, it’s “alarming and disappointing” that the longtime teacher “is alleged to have engaged in acts that exploited children.”

According to the superintendent, the school district suspended Wilds in March, when it first learned about the investigation. He is on administrative leave “pending a recommendation to the school board for his termination,” said Surrency.

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People who say they were victimized by Wilds—or who know one of his victims—are speaking out on Facebook. One described making reports to police for years but not being taken seriously.