JASPER (IN)
ChurchLeaders [Colorado Springs CO]
March 11, 2026
By Dale Chamberlain
A former Indiana youth minister has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to nine counts of possessing child sex abuse material (CSAM), the United States attorney for the Southern District of Indiana announced on Friday (March 5). Aaron Paul Lockman, 24, will also be required to pay $9,000 in restitution.
Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse, which some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.
The press statement did not disclose the name of the church where Lockman served as a youth minister. The district attorney did specify that the church is in Jasper, Indiana, and that in his role at the church, Lockman “was entrusted with supervising young boys and frequently took them on one‑on‑one outings, including trips to local restaurants.”
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WFIE identified the church as Redemption Christian Church, a multisite congregation headquartered in Jasper.
In a statement emailed to ChurchLeaders, Redemption Christian Church said, “Upon learning of the allegations, Redemption immediately—and fully—cooperated with law enforcement authorities in their investigation.”
“The church also took swift action internally, terminating Lockman’s employment at the church—effective immediately after learning of the investigation—and barring him from all church properties,” the church said. “Parents, as well as Redemption’s children’s and student ministry volunteers, were notified of the situation within 48 hours.”
Redemption Christian Church said that it also promptly notified the entire congregation.
“Authorities have not made us aware of any children at the church ever being victimized by Lockman. Policies and procedures forbade Lockman from being alone with children as a staff member,” the church said. Redemption Christian Church also indicated that Lockman had passed a background check and other screenings but that “we were among the many in Lockman’s life who were deceived—on many occasions—in this process.”
Redemption Christian Church said that it “continually” conducts reviews on its safety protocols and is “committed to offering support and resources—including counseling—to anyone impacted by these events.”
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“Redemption remains dedicated to its mission of loving God and loving people and we are steadfast in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We are thankful justice has been and is being served,” said the church. Read Redemption Christian Church’s full statement here.
The investigation into Lockman began in March 2024 after the FBI arrested Matthew D. Constant, who had been serving as the superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools in Kentucky. Constant was accused of attempting to solicit sexual acts from children. In May, Constant was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
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While investigating Constant, authorities discovered WhatsApp conversations between Constant and Lockman in which the two men “discussed their shared sexual interest in children and exchanged illegal images of child sexual abuse.”
After seizing Lockman’s church-issued computer and cell phone, investigators found “multiple videos depicting minors under the age of 12, including material involving abusive conduct.”
“This sick individual placed himself in daily proximity to children and exploited his position as a minister to cultivate special relationships with vulnerable boys,” said Tom Wheeler, United States attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
“This office will continue to pursue anyone who preys on children, no matter their title, position, or community standing,” Wheeler added. “Thanks to the swift work of our federal partners, he can no longer endanger the children he targeted and manipulated.”
Timothy J. O’Malley, a special agent for the FBI, said, “This sentence sends a clear message that anyone who exploits children—especially those who abuse positions of trust within their communities—will be held fully accountable.”
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“Protecting children from predators is one of the FBI’s highest priorities,” said O’Malley. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, support victims, and ensure justice is served.”
This article has been updated to include a statement from Redemption Christian Church.