Arkansas Youth Pastor Arrested for Sexual Indecency with Child
Editor’s Note: This article includes details of the case that some readers may find disturbing.
Kevin Madden, the Next Gen Pastor at Discover Church, an Assemblies of God congregation with campuses in Rogers and Pea Ridge, Arkansas, was arrested Friday, May 7, and charged with two counts sexual indecency with a child and for engaging a child in “sex explicit conduct for use in a visual or print medium.”
Madden, 31, had allegedly sent photos via Snapchat of his penis and of him showering to at least one girl in his youth group, along with trading inappropriate text messages with another teen. He is accused of sending messages requesting that girls send him nude photos of themselves. He was released this week on $50,000 bond.
The church acted quickly after receiving a complaint from one of the girls. On April 30, CaSandra Brewer, the wife of church pastor Chris Brewer, told police that Madden had sent photographs of his “private parts to a 17-year-old girl,” a practice he started when the girl was 16. The girl quit attending Discover Church after Madden’s behavior made her uncomfortable.
In a statement, the church said, “We immediately notified the authorities and the Department of Human Services and placed Mr. Madden on administrative leave.” The church terminated Madden after his arrest.
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A detective said Madden denied the allegations, and acknowledged he had made mistakes but claimed he had never touched them. One of the girls said Madden attempted to grab her and kiss her at the church.
After Brewer confronted him about the accusations, Madden denied the claims, had a panic attack, and was taken to the hospital, according to the affidavit in the arrest.
“Our hearts are broken and go out to all affected by this tragedy,” said the church in a statement. “This is not who we are, and we will do everything within our power to protect those who have been placed within our care.”
