Church youth coordinator arrested on shocking charges for the possession of child pornography in Texas

James Needham, a 28-year-old youth coordinator at House of Faith Church in Texas, was arrested for possession of child pornography, according to a news release from the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office on their official Facebook page.

On December 29, a search warrant was executed at Needham’s home in the 1100 block of South David, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant. Needham turned himself in to the McCullough County Sheriff’s Office on December 31. According to the same news release, the sheriff’s office stated that during the investigation, information was obtained indicating the possibility of inappropriate contact with victims.

According to a released report by Fox West Texas on January 3, 2023, the church said the charges against Needham are not related to the church or its participants and that it has no knowledge of any inappropriate conduct occurring with church participants.

In a statement, House of Faith Church executive director Marci Menchaca emphasized that the safety and care of children and families is the church’s top priority and that the church will review its procedures to ensure safety. Needham was terminated from his position at the church upon learning of his arrest.

The investigation is still in progress and additional details will be provided as they become known. The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the case to contact them, and the church has stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation.

No further details about the alleged inappropriate contact with victims have been released at this time. It is unclear if Needham has an attorney or has entered a plea.