Christian Musician Jon Paul Sheptock Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
A man once celebrated for his music and ministry now faces allegations that have left a community in disbelief. Jon Paul Sheptock, a Christian musician and worship minister who shared the stage with former President Donald Trump, has been arrested on disturbing charges tied to child exploitation — a fall from grace that has stunned his congregation and beyond.
Sheptock, 49, served as a worship minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church in Texas and had previously gained public attention, including performing the national anthem at a Trump campaign rally in 2022 and posing for photos with the former president. Those moments of celebration now stand in stark contrast to the shocking allegations that recently emerged.
The Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit conducted a months-long investigation beginning in August 2025. Authorities received reports that Sheptock was in possession of, and had produced, s*xually explicit content involving a minor. The materials allegedly included videos and images depicting s*xual conduct with someone under 18.
One alleged victim, 17 at the time, stated that Sheptock accessed her iCloud photos without permission, pressured her for explicit content, and sent a video of s*xual assault with implied threats. She also said he showed her nude images of adults and other minors stored on his devices.
The news sent shockwaves through First Montgomery Baptist Church. Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry duties. Church officials emphasized that his interactions with children had generally occurred only in group settings with adults present. “We have no information suggesting any children in our care were involved,” the church said, while acknowledging the severity of the allegations as a “grievous sin” that has left families and congregants heartbroken.
Following the investigation, Sheptock was formally charged with promotion of child pornography, a third-degree felony. Coverage from outlets such as KTRK and The Independent has highlighted the stark contrast between his public image as a worship leader and the criminal allegations he now faces. For a man once in the spotlight, the fallout has been dramatic, leaving the community grappling with shock, grief, and betrayal.
Conclusion
The arrest of Jon Paul Sheptock has shattered the trust of a community that once celebrated him. From public performances to ministry work, his fall has left a congregation confronting a painful betrayal and grappling with the urgent need to ensure the safety of those in their care. Authorities continue to investigate, as families and parishioners try to process the unimaginable breach of trust.