Middle GA youth pastor identified, arrested following child porn investigation

A youth pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Monroe County was arrested April 10 in connection with a Pennsylvania-based child pornography investigation, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

The sheriff’s office announced Tuesday that 30-year-old Tyler Moreland of Macon was identified as a suspect in the case after Pennsylvania State Police identified pornographic images being downloaded in the area of the church off Rivoli Road in Monroe County, where he was employed.

The investigation led to five arrest warrants being issued in Pennsylvania, according to a news release.

Moreland was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Houston County and is being held without bond as he awaits extradition to Pennsylvania.

Anna Watkins, public information officer with the sheriff’s department, said Moreland was arrested at a relative’s residence April 10.

“The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is currently investigating if any offenses were committed in Georgia,” the news release says. “Search warrants have been obtained for devices in Monroe and Bibb County.”

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division at 478-994-7010 or the Investigations Division at 478-994-7043.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church responds

The Mount Zion Baptist Church said it became aware of Moreland’s arrest on April 13 and immediately terminated him.

“On April 13, 2026, Mount Zion became aware of the arrest of our Director of Students and Families, Tyler Moreland, on charges stemming from alleged illicit communications and conduct involving children,” the church said in a statement April 15.

Andy Oxford, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, told The Telegraph that the church is fully cooperating with law enforcement and providing any information it can throughout the course of the investigation.

The Mount Zion church family said it is fully committed to protecting children, both within its church and throughout the community to “ensure that any concerns are promptly addressed.”

“Like many in our community, our church family is devastated and heartbroken by these events,” the church said. “Mr. Moreland had been employed by Mount Zion Baptist Church since June 2025. Prior to his employment, interviews were conducted, and background checks were completed, all showing no indication of any prior misconduct or concerning behavior. During his employment, the church was not made aware of any indication of inappropriate behavior or conduct.”

The church said its prayers and focus remain on healing its congregation, community and all who have impacted by the issue.

This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 10:07 AM.