*This story contains discussion of sexual abuse and may be difficult for some to read.*
An associate pastor and former chaplain at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.
Authorities investigated David Prince, 40, after a system designed to monitor state employees computers found Prince's account was looking at pornographic material and engaging in sexual conversations on his work computer, according to court documents.
After seeing repeated activity, authorities monitored Prince's account more closely.
Investigators allegedly found Prince discussing sexual acts with his minor children on a website called Reddit. Prince engaged in these conversations on one computer screen while simultaneously asking a fellow Oklahoma Department of Corrections employee about filing inmate forms, court documents allege.
On Nov. 6, authorities served a search warrant at Prince's home in McAlester and found child sexual abuse material on his phone.
Prince allegedly denied any sexual contact with his children and said the conversations were just "fantasy."
The ODOC terminated Prince shortly after his arrest. Prince was an associate pastor at Northgate Baptist Church but was removed.
Northgate Baptist Church provided this statement about Prince's arrest:
Earlier this week, Mr. David Prince, who is a member and a volunteer at the church, was arrested under the suspicion for possession of child pornography at his home. There are no suspicions involving any activity which involve the church. As a ministry, when an allegation is made against a member and volunteer of our church, our church immediately removes that individual from any contact with children pending the outcome of the criminal matter, and we fully cooperate with parents, state officials, and law enforcement. We believe that if children are safe anywhere, they should be safe at Northgate Baptist Church.
As a matter of policy, Northgate reports all suspicions of potential child abuse to the authorities. We carefully interview and screen our employees and volunteers, and our leadership team works to maintain child protection policies based on best practices nationally and according to Oklahoma law.
We believe that transparency, child safety, and accountability are essential for successful ministry, and we are fully committed to ministering to our church membership in a safe and responsible manner. Any information or concerns should be shared with local law enforcement.
As this matter involves the arrest of a member of the church, the church leadership has decided to not allow him on the church property while the investigation and legal proceedings are pending against him. Please understand that our staff and membership are not able to discuss this matter while it is pending before the courts. This is our official statement.
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