Episcopal Diocese Fires Youth Pastor Accused of Keeping Child Pornography

By Kevin P. Connolly and Jeff Kunerth
Orlando Sentinel
August 28, 2014

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-child-porn-florida-youth-pastor-fdle-20140828,0,3070792.story

Lucas Dillon Brandenburg (Brevard jail, Brevard jail / August 28, 2014)

A 30-year-old Brevard County youth pastor was fired by church leaders after his arrest Thursday on 10 counts of possession of child pornography.

Lucas Dillon Brandenburg, 30, of Titusville was a youth pastor for Building 418, a ministry of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Titusville, state agents said.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents began investigating Brandenburg in July after flagging his computer as one that shared images of child pornography.

Agents with FDLE's Orlando Regional Operations Center arrested Brandenburg on Thursday morning.

Brandenburg was booked into the Brevard County Jail on $350,000 bond.

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida has fired Brandenburg after his arrest.

"As Christians, a core tenet of our church is the protection and promotion of the dignity and care of all people, especially children and others who may be the most vulnerable and in need of special care," said Bishop Gregory O. Brewer. "Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this matter."

Brandenberg is prohibited from being on all church property or having contact with any children, the diocese said.

"Before his employment at St. Gabriel's, Brandenburg had fulfilled the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida's required Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse certificate program, called Safeguarding God's Children," a diocese statement says. "Completion of the program is mandatory for all workers -- paid or volunteer -- who have contact with youth at diocesan organizations."

Anyone with information is urged to call FDLE's Orlando Regional Operations Center at 800-226-8521.