Crime
18-year-old Jessie Small arrested following weapon incident at Walmart in Waterloo
WATERLOO, Iowa – A Waterloo man is facing multiple criminal charges following a reported weapons incident at the Walmart on Flammang Drive on Saturday afternoon, April 5, 2025.
According to the Waterloo Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Walmart parking lot shortly after 2:15 p.m. after receiving reports of three to four individuals allegedly brandishing firearms.
Upon arrival, officers observed that most of the individuals had fled the scene.
However, one suspect was believed to have entered the store.
Officers conducted a search of the premises and located the individual, who then attempted to flee on foot.
He was apprehended after a brief pursuit.
The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Jessie Javon Small, a resident of Waterloo.
Authorities say a handgun was recovered during the arrest.
Small is now facing several charges, including:
- Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons
- Assault While Displaying a Weapon
- Interference with Official Acts
- Possession of Marijuana
Police confirmed that no shots were fired and no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Waterloo Police Department.
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.