ROSWELL, Ga. – A significant incident has emerged in the metro Atlanta area involving a youth pastor, Daniel Menelaou, who is currently in custody following allegations of sharing explicit videos involving minors. This development comes after a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities.
Details of the Investigation
On Wednesday, law enforcement officials from Roswell Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) executed a search warrant at Menelaou’s residence in the Hunters Cover neighborhood. During this search, several electronic devices were confiscated, which are now undergoing analysis for further evidence. Officer Tim Lupo of the Roswell Police stated, “During the course of that search warrant, we seized several electronic devices that will be analyzed for additional evidence.”
The warrant indicates that Menelaou allegedly uploaded multiple videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, sharing these images via the messaging app Kik. Until his arrest, Menelaou served as a youth pastor for Futures Church in Alpharetta.
Response from Futures Church
In light of these grave allegations, a spokesperson for Futures Church released a statement expressing their horror and condemnation of Menelaou’s actions. The statement emphasized, “The charges against Daniel Menelaou are abhorrent, appalling, and completely contrary to everything we stand for. We are horrified by what has been revealed and categorically condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms.”
The church reiterated its commitment to child protection, stating, “Our hearts go out first and foremost to any victims who have been harmed. We remain committed to standing with all survivors of abuse, particularly children, whose suffering should never be ignored or minimized.” Following the arrest, Menelaou was placed on immediate administrative leave, and upon learning the full extent of the charges, his employment was terminated.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation unfolds, police have indicated that they are collaborating closely with the church and that additional charges may arise. Officer Lupo remarked, “As you can imagine, when we have somebody who is engaging in this type of behavior, who also occupies a position of authority or influence with young people, that’s something that we’re going to look into very closely.”
The church has assured its community that it takes its responsibility seriously and is committed to upholding the highest standards of child protection. They have expressed their intention to support all affected individuals during this distressing time.
