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Tag: Pastor Matthew Jacobson

Black Collar Crime: IFB Youth Pastor Matthew Jacobson Accused of Child Seduction

matthew jacobson

The Black Collar Crime Series relies on public news stories and publicly available information for its content. If any incorrect information is found, please contact Bruce Gerencser. Nothing in this post should be construed as an accusation of guilt. Those accused of crimes are innocent until proven guilty.

Matthew Jacobson, youth pastor (church website called him their assistant pastor) at Bethel Baptist Church in Linton, Indiana, was arrested after being accused of inappropriate behavior with a church girl.

The Green County Daily World reports:

A former local youth pastor is accused of having inappropriate contact with a juvenile.

Matthew Joel Jacobson, 30, Linton, was arrested on a warrant for Level 6 felony child seduction.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Indiana State Police Richard Klun with Greene Superior Court, Jacobson served as an assistant youth pastor at Bethel Baptist Church, north of Linton.

The probable cause states the church’s pastor reported the incident to law enforcement and has since stated Jacobson was previously employed at the church. The pastor also stated he believed Jacobson’s position may “exert undue influence” on the juvenile and Jacobson would have been aware of the juvenile’s age.

The probable cause states Klun and Child Protective Services Case Agent Christie Burton met with the juvenile in late December to discuss the allegations. The juvenile reported the incidents started in December, when Jacobson allegedly made the juvenile uncomfortable by touching the juvenile’s hand. The juvenile said later that night, Jacobson reached out via social media.