Crime
Armed Individuals at Waterloo Walmart: One Detained, No Injuries Reported
Waterloo, IA — Authorities responded to a large police presence at the Walmart located at 1334 Flammang Drive on Saturday afternoon, following reports of individuals displaying firearms inside the store.
The incident prompted the immediate evacuation of the premises as a precautionary measure.
According to initial witness accounts, two males were reportedly seen running through the store armed with guns. These reports led to an urgent response from the Waterloo Police Department, with officers quickly arriving on scene to secure the area and assess the situation.
Police have since confirmed that no shots were fired and no injuries have been reported in connection to the incident.
As the investigation unfolded, one individual was detained by officers, and at least one firearm was recovered at the scene.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether any criminal activity occurred and the exact nature of the individuals’ actions within the store.
Police are working to determine if the second person mentioned in witness reports was involved or if any additional suspects remain at large.
Officers remained on scene for an extended period to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees and to interview witnesses.
The Waterloo Police Department has not yet released the identity of the detained individual.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the incident is encouraged to contact Waterloo Police.
The store remained closed temporarily following the evacuation but is expected to resume normal operations once the area is deemed secure.
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.