What we know about Daniel Menelaou, Adelaide youth pastor charged in the US over child exploitation material
An Adelaide ex-youth pastor facing charges in the US over child abuse videos has been granted bail at nearly $200,000 – as his final social media post is revealed.
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The arrest of a married Adelaide youth pastor by US police last week shocked and horrified an international megachurch.
Daniel Menelaou was serving as youth and young adult pastor with Futures Church at its Georgia site when he was arrested and charged over videos allegedly depicting child sexual abuse earlier this month.
Here’s what we know about the 28-year-old and the case so far.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE
Earlier this year, a tip-off sparked an investigation that led US detectives to Mr Menelaou’s Georgia home, where they found and seized a number of electronic devices from the Adelaide man.
The 28-year-old was arrested by US police over videos allegedly depicting child abuse and charged with six counts of possession or control of any material depicting a minor in sexually explicit conduct, according to warrants obtained by Atlanta News First.
Roswell Police Department’s Tim Lupo has said “it’s egregious behaviour regardless of who is engaged in it” but when it was somebody with connections to young people “it raises the threat level to another degree.”
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT DANIEL MENELAOU
According to Mr Menelaou’s LinkedIn profile, he was a youth pastor with the Futures megachurch – formerly Influencers Church – in Paradise since 2018.
He later moved to Georgia, where he was serving a youth and young adult pastor with Futures’ Alpharetta campus.
Mr Menelaou’s father John also served on the Futures church board but has taken an indefinite leave of absence following his son’s arrest.
“John has been an exemplary board member, and as the situation was discovered, he offered his resignation,” a spokesperson for the church said.
“While his resignation was not accepted, in recognition of the crisis his family is facing, a leave of absence was provided. This is indefinite.”
Mr Menelaou spent more than two years working as a student mentor at Temple Christian College in Paralowie, from May 2019 to August 2021, according to his LinkedIn.
In a statement, the college said it “was shocked to learn, through overseas media reports, about the serious charges against a former employee”.
“Nothing of this abhorrent nature has ever been raised with the college,” the school said in a statement.
“I have written to the college community informing them of this matter and the support the College is providing our community.”
“Student wellbeing is our highest priority, and we adopt strict welfare and wellbeing policies, including pre-employment checks, to support students and the wider school community.”
Prior to his employment at the college, he held several positions at Apple, including Genius admin and technical specialist, according to his LinkedIn.
HOW THE CHURCH RESPONDED
A spokesperson for Futures Church said it was horrified by what had been revealed.
“The charges against Daniel Menelaou are abhorrent, appalling, and completely contrary to everything we stand for,” the spokesperson said.
“The details outlined in the arrest warrant are deeply disturbing and stand in total opposition to our unwavering commitment to protecting children.”
The spokesperson said the church had no knowledge of any allegations until his arrest.
The church said it placed Mr Menelaou on immediate administrative leave when he was arrested and then terminated his job once they learned about the full extent of the charges.
“In the midst of this devastating situation, we also recognise the immense burden placed on his wife, who has been placed in an incredibly painful position. We will continue to offer her support, care, and resources as she navigates this tragic reality.”
The church said it was co-operating with law enforcement and was “in no way responsible or affiliated with these actions of Daniel Menelaou”.
WHAT NEXT?
Roswell Police Department’s Tim Lupo told Atlanta News First the investigation is ongoing and detectives will continue searching devices seized from Mr Menelaou.
It is understood further charges could be laid.
Mr Menelaou was granted bail on Tuesday in the US. He will now be allowed to await trial in the community after he was granted a bond of $20,000 USD on each count – a total of $120,000 USD or more than $188,000 AUD.
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Originally published as What we know about Daniel Menelaou, Adelaide youth pastor charged in the US over child exploitation material
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