John Tyler Moreland, 30, a Macon resident and youth pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Bolingbroke, was arrested Friday on five counts related to child pornography and is being held in the Houston County Jail while he awaits extradition to Pennsylvania. U.S. Marshals picked him up at his mother's home in Houston County, and local and federal investigators have executed search warrants and are examining multiple electronic devices tied to the case. Authorities say the investigation started after a victim in Pennsylvania reported being in electronic contact with Moreland.
Investigation Traced Downloads to Local Church
Pennsylvania State Police say the case began when a victim there came forward about online contact with Moreland. Investigators then traced downloads of suspected child sexual abuse material to the area of Mt. Zion Baptist Church off Rivoli Road, according to 41NBC. Deputies in Monroe County identified Moreland as the person linked to the device and said arrest warrants were obtained in Pennsylvania.
Searches, Evidence and Charges
According to the Monroe County Reporter, Pennsylvania authorities reported finding more than 7,000 images of child sexual abuse on a device tied to the investigation. Search warrants were executed at Moreland's apartment at the Lofts on Zebulon Road, and investigators seized his work computer from the church along with his cell phone. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office told reporters that Moreland had been employed at Mt. Zion for about a year, and the local outlet reported that he faces five counts related to child pornography in Pennsylvania.
Arrest, Booking and Extradition
With arrest warrants in hand from Pennsylvania, the U.S. Marshals Service located Moreland at his Houston County residence. Houston County jail records list a booking date of April 10 and note that he is being held for extradition. That entry appears on The Georgia Gazette, and 41NBC reported details from a sheriff's office email describing the cross-state investigation. Prosecutors in Pennsylvania are expected to decide on formal filings and next steps after extradition is completed.
Investigators Ask for Tips
Monroe County deputies and the FBI are working to determine whether any crimes may have been committed in Georgia, and search warrants have been obtained for devices in Monroe and Bibb counties, according to the Monroe County Reporter. Officials urged anyone with information to contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office communications division at 478-994-7010 or the investigations division at 478-994-7043.
What Comes Next
If extradited to Pennsylvania, Moreland is expected to be processed there and appear for initial court proceedings. Authorities say the case underscores how tips from victims, combined with interstate cooperation and digital forensics, can quickly grow into a multi-jurisdiction investigation. The probe remains active, and law enforcement officials continue to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.
