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Son of megachurch pastor sentenced after horrific materials found at home 'among worst investigators have seen'
An Indiana megachurch once known for preaching purity and sexual morality has found itself at the center of a scandal that has shaken a congregation, rattled political allies, and ended with a six-year prison sentence.
Jonathan Peternel, 24, of Pendleton, was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty in January to one Level 4 felony count of child exploitation and three felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
The case drew intense public scrutiny not only because of the disturbing evidence uncovered by investigators, but because his father, Nathan Peternel, remains listed as lead pastor at Life Church and is a longtime mentor and close associate of Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.
Jonathan Peternel Sentenced To Six Years In Prison
Madison Superior Court 6 Judge Mark Dudley handed down the sentence after accepting Peternel’s plea agreement, which capped the executed sentence at six years, per Indiana Citizen.
Dudley sentenced Peternel to six years on the Level 4 felony child exploitation charge, three years each on two Level 5 felony possession charges and one year on a Level 6 felony possession charge.
All counts will run concurrently for a total of six years with Peternel sentenced to four years in the Indiana Department of Correction and two years suspended to probation. He must also register as a lifetime sex offender.
Under the plea agreement, the court retained discretion up to a capped executed sentence of six years. Dudley imposed the maximum allowed under that agreement.
Peternel will receive credit for time served. He did not post bond and remained in custody throughout his court proceedings. He was represented by a public defender.
The courtroom was filled during sentencing, with many attendees appearing to be church members, friends, and family. Both of Peternel’s parents sat front and center.
After the sentencing concluded and the court moved on to other matters, a group of Peternel’s supporters stood and exited together. A sheriff’s deputy directed them not to gather in the hallway. They instead went outside, formed a circle, held hands, and began praying.
‘I’m Deeply Sorry’: Peternel Addresses The Court
Before Judge Dudley delivered the sentence, Peternel addressed the courtroom directly.
“Your honor first I want to say that I’m deeply sorry. I hate my sin that I’ve committed,” he said. “I want to apologize to anybody who has fallen victim to my behavior.”
He continued by apologizing to his family, friends and church community for the “unbelievable stress and embarrassment” he caused.
Addressing his parents, he said: “I’m sorry for putting you in this humiliating situation. You’ve been dishonored, your wonderful reputations have been ruined and your names have been dragged through the mud all because I cared about myself more than you.”
Peternel acknowledged he was raised in church and understood right from wrong but made choices “completely contrary to the way I was raised.”
While in custody, he said he recommitted his life to Christianity, participated in daily Bible studies — including with fellow inmates — and completed a 12-step addiction recovery program.
“I promise to spend the rest of my life fighting the wickedness that I participated in,” he said. “Through faith in the Lord, I trust that your sentence will be proper.”
Investigation Uncovered Hundreds Of Files
The charges stemmed from a tip received by the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The CyberTip Report indicated that child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to Snapchat from Peternel’s account.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the Peternel family’s home in Pendleton and seized multiple electronic devices.
According to court records, forensic analysis uncovered more than 200 files of suspected child sexual abuse material.
The material included content described as sadomasochistic child abuse and photorealistic AI-generated images depicting nude minors. Authorities also alleged the files included violent molestation, intoxicated minors, and AI-generated images of nude pregnant toddlers.
Investigators documented chat logs suggesting distribution of explicit material in a Snapchat group called “Diddy Disciples,” a reference to rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was convicted in 2025 on federal sex trafficking-related charges and is serving a prison sentence while appealing his conviction.
The affidavit also stated that more than 50 intimate photos and videos on Peternel’s phone appeared to show his parents nude or engaged in sexual acts — a revelation that intensified public scrutiny when first reported.