LCMS District President Arrested, Charged With Child Pornography
Michael Mohr was also a regent at Concordia Seminary.
The president of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod was arrested on a federal child pornography charge on Wednesday, January 28, and appeared in court on Thursday.
Michael Mohr / Insert of LCMS logo
Michael William Mohr, 54, is accused of producing child pornography and will be held in jail until trial after he waived his right to a detention hearing. He lives in Springfield, Illinois.
The denomination’s president, Dr. Matthew Harrison, said in a letter that he was “shocked and dismayed” when he learned of Mohr’s arrest, adding that “no words can express our sorrow and shame.”
Harrison said the LCMS will cooperate with any requests by law enforcement.
“I am praying for all affected by this situation and invite you to join me in these prayers,” Harrison wrote.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, investigators found storage devices at Mohr’s home in Springfield that contained videos of three juveniles in the bathroom. A search of another home used by Mohr in Vandalia revealed two hidden cameras — one disguised in a clock and another in a Bluetooth speaker.
The affidavit says the investigation began after a juvenile reported finding a hidden camera in a hotel bathroom, disguised as a charging device. The juvenile also alleged that Mohr had stood over him and masturbated the night before.
Mohr was re-elected to his second term as the Central Illinois District president in July 2025. His duties in that role include ecclesiastical and administrative oversight responsibilities for congregations and schools throughout central Illinois, according to Ad Crucem news. His name and photo had not been removed from the Central Illinois District website as of January 29.
He also served as a regent for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, according to Ad Crucem news. Concordia had removed a page featuring Mohr’s leadership position from its website.
On its website, Concordia posted a statement acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations against Mohr and said his term on the Concordia Board of Regents has been suspended.
“We do not condone any form of sexual misconduct, and we will cooperate fully with a lawful investigation into the charges,” Concordia added.
Mohr is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 2251 for sexual exploitation of children. If he is found guilty, he could serve between 15 and 30 years in prison.
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