A prominent morality preacher in Indiana is facing a crisis as his son was allegedly found with child abuse material.
Nathan Peternel, long celebrated for preaching sexual purity and fighting temptation, has stepped down from his leadership role at Life Church after his 24‑year‑old son, Jonathan Wesley Peternel, was arrested on disturbing charges, per the Daily Mail.
Authorities say they discovered a massive trove of illegal images and videos — some described as among the worst they’ve encountered.
Now facing seven felony charges, including child exploitation and multiple counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, Jonathan has pleaded not guilty and was released on bond. No public statement has come from his lawyer so far.
Horrific content uncovered — including links to “Diddy Disciples”
Investigators say Jonathan, a member of the National Guard and a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic, was busted after a sweeping probe triggered by a CyberTip alert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tied to a suspected Snapchat account.
Credit: Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
Police executed a search warrant that uncovered even more material: reportedly hundreds of illicit images — violent molestation, sadomasochistic scenes, intoxicated minors — and even AI‑generated nude images purportedly featuring pregnant toddlers, per the Indiana Citizen.
In a detail that shocked even veteran officers, they claim they found homemade sex tapes involving Jonathan’s own parents.
Moreover, messages linked Jonathan to a group called “Diddy Disciples.”
Investigators believe the name may point to Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is currently imprisoned on prostitution‑related charges. The potential connection to a celebrity scandal has intensified media interest and public outrage.
Pastor steps back amid heartbreaking revelations
Life Church, an Assemblies of God affiliate that Nathan Peternel once led, now finds itself scrambling to hold together.
Behind closed doors, emergency meetings were allegedly called to manage fallout.
Peternel addressed his shocked congregation with visible emotion.
He called Jonathan’s actions a “wicked sin” and said he would be stepping aside temporarily to focus on his family and faith. The church later released a statement vowing full cooperation with law enforcement and offering prayers for the victims.
Jonathan Peternel. Credit: Fishers Police Department
Though officials publicly insist the church remains united, insiders describe a charged atmosphere and deep division.
“There has been transparency,” one longtime attendee told the Daily Mail, “but we're not voting on whether to keep the pastor. That's not how this church works. They're telling us to trust the process, trust the leaders and not get distracted from God.”
Staff members were encouraged to answer questions — but were also instructed not to weigh in on whether Peternel should return to preaching.
Fallout reaches into political circles
This scandal goes well beyond church walls.
Nathan Peternel has long had close ties to Micah Beckwith, the Lieutenant Governor of Indiana.
The two co‑host the podcast Jesus, Sex & Politics — a platform where they promote abstinence, slam pornography, and condemn adultery and homosexuality.
Micah Beckwith (left) and Nathan Peternel (right). Credit: Instagram / Micah Beckwith
Peternel has donated to Beckwith’s campaigns and served as a delegate at Republican conventions. Beckwith also pastors a branch of Life Church and said he first learned of the allegations on October 23.
Behind the scenes, sources say political allies and church leaders scrambled to control damage — trying to shield reputations and manage the public image of everyone involved.