Crime
Philadelphia Police Investigate Abduction and Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating a disturbing incident involving the abduction and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl that occurred on the evening of Friday, May 31.
Authorities are searching for the suspect as well as a stolen vehicle connected to the crime.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., officers responded to an abduction-in-progress call near Germantown and Erie Avenues.
According to initial reports, a white 2010 Ford Taurus had been left unattended with the engine running and the keys in the ignition.
A 12-year-old girl was asleep in the backseat of the vehicle when an unidentified individual entered the car and fled the scene with the child inside.
Less than 25 minutes later, at approximately 9:53 p.m., officers located a juvenile matching the description of the missing child near Broad Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
It was determined that the victim had been sexually assaulted. She was immediately transported by police to a local hospital for medical evaluation and care.
Police are currently seeking an unidentified Black male, described as having a thin build and wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.
The stolen white 2010 Ford Taurus remains missing as of the latest report.
The Special Victims Unit is leading the investigation, with assistance from additional law enforcement resources.
Authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspect as quickly as possible.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect, the vehicle, or any part of this ongoing investigation is strongly encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling the PPD Tip Line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and further updates will be provided as more 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.