Palmetto pastor arrested for possession of child porn

A Palmetto pastor was arrested on Friday, facing charges of possessing child pornography, as reported by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives received a tip on Thursday that Jonathan Edward Elwing, 43, the senior pastor of Palm View Baptist Church, had been using cryptocurrency to purchase child sexual abuse material online.

Following this lead, a search warrant was executed at both Elwing's church and his home on Friday.

Elwing has been charged with four counts of possession of child pornography. He was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Manatee County Jail.

Before his arrest, Elwing resigned from his position as pastor of the church, according to the sheriff's office.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information regarding potential crimes involving Elwing to come forward. They can be reached at 941-747-3011. To remain anonymous and potentially receive a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or visit www.ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.