SOUTH BEND (IN)
WNDU-TV [South Bend IN]
November 21, 2024
By Joshua Short
Disturbing allegations are coming to light surrounding a South Bend pastor who was arrested over the weekend and officially charged this week.
WNDU 16 News Now is learning 36-year-old Geoffrey Carter is in the St. Joseph County Jail on multiple charges, including child exploitation, possession of child pornography, sexual battery, child seduction and voyeurism-using a camera.
According to court paperwork, the 17-year-old unnamed victim filed a police report earlier this month against Carter. A few days later, the victim revealed to Mishawaka police investigators they were staying with Carter at his Mishawaka home.
The victim claimed they were awakened on Halloween morning after feeling someone rubbing their leg and “squeezing” their buttocks. They said they turned around and saw Carter in the bedroom, pulling his pants up and quickly hiding his phone. They also reportedly observed a camera flash. The victim also indicated later seeing a video of Carter masturbating near them around the time this happened.
Court paperwork goes on to talk about how the victim knew the passcode to Carter’s phone. He accessed it, looked through his camera roll and discovered numerous pictures and videos in the phone’s hidden folder. That victim handed the phone to police as evidence.
A search warrant was executed on Carter’s home, and more nude pictures and videos of the victim were reportedly discovered in Carter’s phone from the bathroom. The video was consistent with the victim’s allegations from Halloween morning. Officials also found a fake smoke detector and hidden camera in the home.
On Monday, Carter spoke to police and said the victim was staying with him since October as “his mother” was having housing issues. He admitted to putting cameras in his bathroom and recording the naked victim. He also admitted to recording himself masturbating while standing over the victim.
Overnight, our team stopped by Apostolic House of Deliverance on South Bend’s west side, where Carter was allegedly pastor for several years on South Bend’s west side. None of the members spoke with our team.
Meanwhile, our team is learning more background on Carter’s work history, including the fact he’s still listed as the director of the Children’s Choir of Michiana. However, after reaching out to the executive director to confirm his employment, she gave us this statement:
We’re incredibly disappointed and saddened by the criminal allegations made against Geoffrey Carter, who was the director of the Children’s Choir of Michiana. The safety and security of all participants in the children’s choir is of utmost concern to us, and Mr. Carter will no longer be affiliated with our organization. At this time, we have no reason to suspect that any member of Children’s Choir of Michiana was a victim, but we are offering support and resources to all of our families during this challenging time.Laurie Myers | Executive Director, Musical Arts Indiana
We also learned Carter is currently listed as a recruitment coordinator at Notre Dame. But in a statement, a school spokesperson told us he is now a former employee.
Earlier this week, the University was made aware that a now former employee was arrested and charged in St. Joseph County. We have and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement.Erin Blasko | Associate Director of Media Relations, University of Notre Dame
We’re also learning Carter was employed at the South Bend Community School Corporation between 2019 and February of last year. He resigned but still did volunteer work with different choir groups within the corporation.
Again, these are all allegations against Carter, and he’s presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Carter was arraigned in court on Thursday. His bond is set at $15,000 cash. As of Thursday night, he remains in custody.
He’s due back in court for an initial hearing on Dec. 2.
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