Crime
Police Investigate Reported Shooting in New Port Richey Following Road Rage Incident
Authorities in New Port Richey are actively investigating a reported shooting near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Congress Street.
Witnesses on the scene have stated that at least one individual was struck by gunfire, prompting an ongoing police response.
According to initial reports, the incident began as a road rage dispute near a local gas station.
The situation quickly escalated when one of the individuals involved produced an AR-style firearm and began shooting.
Witnesses stated that the gunfire struck one person near a nearby bar.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where multiple businesses were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
The area remains cordoned off as authorities process the scene. Jersey Girls Bar has been taped off by police as part of the ongoing investigation.
Despite the police presence, Home Saloon has confirmed that its establishment remains open for business and that none of its staff or patrons were directly affected by the incident.
The New Port Richey Police Department has not yet officially confirmed the details of the shooting but stated that a supervisor would provide further information as soon as possible.
This remains a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.