HERNANDO (MS)
Dark Horse Press [Flowood, MS]
June 2, 2026
By Morgan Howard
A DeSoto County man who worked with children as a seminarian and summer camp employee has pleaded guilty to a child exploitation charge after investigators discovered child sexual abuse material being uploaded and downloaded from a residence in Nesbit.
According to authorities, Jonathan Tu Nguyen-Vuong pleaded guilty June 1 in DeSoto County Circuit Court to one count of child exploitation. Prosecutors said the charge stems from his involvement in uploading and downloading known child sexual abuse material.
Nguyen-Vuong is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 3 and faces a prison sentence ranging from five to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The investigation began when DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office investigators participated in an ongoing case involving the transmission of child sexual abuse material over the internet. During the investigation, authorities identified a device at St. Michael’s Community House in Nesbit as a source of uploaded and downloaded illegal material.
Investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence, where they identified Nguyen-Vuong as the individual responsible for the activity. Authorities said his computer was actively uploading and downloading child sexual abuse material while investigators were conducting the search.
During the investigation, authorities learned Nguyen-Vuong was working at a summer camp involving children. Investigators also determined he taught religion to children and served as a seminarian.
Nguyen-Vuong was taken into custody and later confessed to uploading and downloading child sexual abuse material during an interview with investigators, according to officials.
As a precaution, investigators contacted parents of children who had interacted with Nguyen-Vuong to determine whether any additional victims existed and to ensure the children’s safety.
Authorities said the religious community associated with St. Michael’s Community House cooperated throughout the investigation.
Lead prosecutor Steven Jubera said the prosecution seeks to protect children from potential predators and ensure churches and schools remain safe environments for minors.
The case remains pending sentencing.