Former Colorado Springs church pastor charged with sexual exploitation of a child
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Thanks to a tip from the FBI, Colorado Springs Police were able to arrest a former church pastor and music teacher for charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child.
On Sept. 6, the Colorado Springs Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC) was contacted by the Colorado Springs FBI Office. The FBI provided information that 30-year-old Jonathan Shaheen was communicating with a New Mexican couple who were exploiting children.
On Sept. 7, the CSPD ICAC unit executed a search warrant in the 5200 block of Stirrup Point. Police arrested Shaheen on the charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. He is currently being held in the El Paso County jail without bond. His first appearance is scheduled for next week.
The FBI told 13 Investigates that the couple had also been arrested but have yet to identify them or the arresting agency.
Shaheen's LinkedIn profile indicates that he worked as a creative pastor at TimberCreek Church and as the general manager at School of Rock, a music lesson store in Colorado Springs. When 13 Investigates inquired whether any of the alleged victims were affiliated with either the TimberCreek Church or School of Rock, the FBI, CSPD, and the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office declined to comment.
13 Investigates reached out to TimberCreek Lead Pastor Patrick Tanton and TimberCreek Executive Pastor Josh Yancey. The church provided a statement, claiming Shaheen was no longer employed at the church nor was the church involved in the investigation.
Jonathan was a former creative arts pastor at TImberCreek from 2021-2022. CSPD proactively communicated that his arrest has nothing to do with anyone at TImberCreek church.
TimberCreek Church
Patrick Tanton | Lead Pastor
We also reached out to Shaheen's family, but they didn't respond.
Colorado Springs Police did say they are no longer looking for additional victims at this time, but it is still an active investigation.
This is a developing story.
The ICAC Task Force is made up of 99 affiliate law enforcement agencies throughout the state and investigates subjects who sexually exploit and lure Colorado's most vulnerable victims.
