PENSACOLA (FL)
Pensacola News Journal [Pensacola FL]
October 28, 2026
By Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal
Former part-time Pensacola police officer Matthew Baxter, who was arrested this week on child porn charges, worked security for Echo Life Church in Pensacola in the past, as well as at several Escambia County Public Schools.
Echo Life Church has a Christian preschool and elementary classrooms, as well as multiple youth groups.
In an email sent to the congregation by Pastor Joe Driver, Echo said Baxter served as a contracted security officer through the Pensacola Police Department prior to his arrests. Echo terminated Baxter Oct. 4.
“We understand the concerns that have been raised regarding the arrest of Pensacola Police Officer Matthew Baxter,”
Driver wrote in the email. “We want you to know that we share those concerns, and we have been in contact with law enforcement authorities.” Driver told church members that authorities assured them that none of the allegations against Baxter involve church members, staff or property. He encouraged anyone with information or concerns relevant to the investigation, to contact the police department.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents arrested Baxter Oct. 12 after a confidential source notified the FDLE that Baxter allegedly bought illegal drugs while in uniform. During the first arrest, agents seized cell phones that later allegedly uncovered child sex abuse material and bestiality images and videos. FDLE also found photos taken by Baxter of unknown subjects in various restrooms.
Baxter is charged with two counts of possessing a controlled substance, three counts of using a two-way device for a felony, 30 counts possessing images and videos of sexual activity involving animals, four counts of possessing child sex abuse material and four counts of digital voyeurism.
The News Journal reached out to Echo Life Church and Driver but did not immediately receive a response.
“The safety and protection of children remain one of our highest priorities,” Driver wrote in his letter. “Join us in praying for our community and for justice.”