A Raleigh children's ministry pastor has been arrested and charged with the exploitation of minors, according to local police. Aaron Luke Bradley, 30, was taken into custody following a search warrant executed by detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at his Thornrose Way home. The CBS 17 report details that Bradley is accused of distributing child sexual abuse material via the messaging platform Kik on March 10.
In a separate report, The News & Observer states Bradley, while serving at Living Hope Raleigh – the English-speaking congregation of First Baptist Korean Church of Raleigh – is charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. According to the arrest warrant, Bradley shared a 13-second video showing the sexual abuse of a girl, who appeared to be between 9 and 12 years old. The youth minister, who had joined the church in 2022 and had worked with elementary school children, no longer maintains his position after the arrest and subsequent release on a $50,000 bail bond.
Upon his release, Bradley has been ordered not to have any contact with minors unless it has been approved by a judge previously. While the church has not issued any statements in response to media queries, a spokesperson from Bradley's reported employer, First Korean Baptist Church, confirmed with WRAL News that he was "fired immediately" from his role. Bradley's first court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, as indicated by court documents.
Bradley's case has raised concerns within the Raleigh community, especially among parents and those involved with children's and youth ministries.
