Crime
Two Injured in Shooting Outside Meridian Mall
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, MI – On Friday, May 30, 2025, at approximately 1:25 p.m., Meridian Township Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot of the Meridian Mall, near the entrance to Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the parties involved had already fled the scene.
According to Meridian Township Police Chief Rick Grillo, multiple gunshots were fired, resulting in injuries to two individuals. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The extent of their injuries remains unknown at this time. There is no indication that any gunfire occurred inside the mall itself.
A brief lockdown of the mall was lifted shortly after.
Law enforcement officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the Meridian Mall has resumed normal operations.
However, a portion of the parking lot remains closed off as investigators process the active crime scene.
Chief Grillo noted that it is still unclear how many individuals were involved in the incident. Investigators from the Meridian Township Police Department are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
Tips can be directed to the Meridian Township Police Department at (517) 853-4800. Additionally, Detective Sergeant Brian Canen can be reached via email at canen@meridian.mi.us. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the Department’s social media platforms.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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.