An Indiana youth minister was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after investigators uncovered child abuse material.
A former youth minister in Indiana has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges involving child sexual exploitation material uncovered during a federal investigation.
Aaron Paul Lockman, 24, of Corydon, Indiana, received the sentence in federal court in Evansville. In addition to the prison term, the court ordered five years of supervised release after his release and $9,000 in restitution to victims.
The case emerged during a separate investigation involving Matthew D. Constant, the former superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools in Kentucky, who had been arrested in 2024 for attempting to solicit sexual acts from minors online. While reviewing evidence in that case, federal investigators discovered messages between Constant and Lockman discussing their sexual interest in children and exchanging illegal images.
Authorities later determined that Lockman worked as a youth minister at a church in Jasper, Indiana, where he supervised and mentored young boys through church programs and activities. Investigators said the position allowed him frequent unsupervised contact with minors during outings and church-related events.
Federal agents subsequently executed search warrants on Lockman’s electronic devices, including a church-issued computer and a personal cellphone. A forensic examination revealed several videos depicting children under the age of 12 involved in abusive content.
U.S. Attorney officials said the case highlights the danger posed when individuals exploit positions of trust within communities. Law enforcement emphasized that protecting children and holding offenders accountable remains a top priority for federal authorities.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Evansville Police Department and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, a nationwide effort focused on identifying offenders who exploit children and ensuring victims receive support and justice.
Federal officials say cases like this demonstrate the importance of continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies to detect online exploitation networks and prevent further harm to vulnerable victims.
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
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