John Tyler Moreland, 30, a former youth pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, has been arrested on charges related to child pornography. Investigators found more than 150 explicit images and videos on his Snapchat account. Moreland is accused of using Snapchat to exploit minors, instructing them to send nude images and videos of themselves.
How Snapchat Was Used to Exploit Children
The case started on December 27, 2025, when a concerned mother discovered troubling content on her 10-year-old child’s phone. She eventually found explicit images on Snapchat, which led to a police investigation.
The victim’s mother reported the issue to law enforcement, and authorities discovered that Moreland had been posing as a girl on Snapchat to trick children into sending explicit content. The criminal complaint details how Moreland used the alias “Alexis” or “Amanda” to gain the trust of minors and solicit explicit material from them.
Charges and Evidence Against Moreland
Moreland faces serious charges, including the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors. Investigators discovered over 135 videos and 20 images of explicit material, including depictions of pubescent and pre-pubescent boys, and even one image involving a toddler.
Moreland allegedly instructed the victims to take the illicit photos in private spaces, like bathrooms and bedrooms, further manipulating them. Authorities also traced his device usage to locations in Georgia and Pennsylvania, including the Mount Zion Baptist Church, where Moreland worked.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Moreland was arrested on April 10, 2026, at a relative’s home in Houston County, Georgia, by the U.S. Marshals Service. He is being held without bond and is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. Police continue to investigate the full extent of his actions.
Church Responds to the Arrest
The Mount Zion Baptist Church responded to the news of Moreland’s arrest with immediate action, terminating his employment and offering full cooperation with law enforcement. Church officials expressed their devastation over the situation, stating that Moreland had passed all background checks prior to his hiring and had shown no prior signs of misconduct. The church has promised to support victims and their families as the investigation unfolds.
Possible Additional Survivors in Georgia
While authorities have not yet identified any survivors in Georgia, the investigation remains ongoing. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, along with the FBI, is working to determine whether Moreland committed offenses in the state. Search warrants have been executed for devices in Monroe and Bibb Counties as part of the investigation.
How Helping Survivors Helps Survivors
If you or someone you know has been impacted by child exploitation on Snapchat or any other social media platform, you have legal rights and options. Our experienced team of partner attorneys can provide a free case evaluation to help you best understand the legal options available to you. Contact Helping Survivors today for a confidential consultation.
