Heritage Community Church in FL addressed their congregation yesterday after one of their Overseers, Charles Bart Lucas, was arrested and charged with five counts of video voyeurism.
Major Crimes investigators with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office were alerted when a co-worker found troubling footage depicting adults and adolescent girls on his work computer and notified authorities.
After further investigation, deputies discovered recordings shot on a hidden camera inside a church bathroom where girls would change after their baptisms, with some of the videos going back to the mid-2000’s, and some of the girls allegedly being under the age of 16.
Addressing the issue during his service yesterday, Pastor Sidney Brock told congregants to stay away from all the ‘junk’ and commentary on social media, because “that crap doesn’t tell you the truth.”
Framing it as a demonic attack on their church, Brock reiterates, “I’ve known (Lucas) for 30 years to be a man of character, a man of integrity in our community. I don’t know anything else”
Referencing Lucas, he emphasizes that “everyone is a step away from stupid,” says law enforcement has to do their job and to pray for wisdom for them, warns everyone again to stay off social media and not spread unfounded information, which could result in legal action, and then ultimately concludes by insisting ‘our greatest concern today is the individuals and families that may have been impacted.’
According to WESH, the church initially released a statement that read:
“We were notified late Friday that one of our overseers, Bart Lucas, was arrested.
Bart and his family have been part of the Heritage family since our beginning, and we care deeply for them.
At this time, we do not have all the details, but we understand this matter involves circumstances from several years ago.
We want to be careful not to speculate, but instead to pray – for Bart and his family, for those who may be impacted, and for wisdom and truth throughout this process.”
But later amended it to:
We were notified late Friday that one of our overseers, Bart Lucas, was arrested. At this time, we do not have all of the details, and we want to be careful not to speculate or speak beyond what we know.
Our primary concern is for any individuals or families who may have been impacted by these allegations. We recognize the seriousness of situations like this and the deep hurt, confusion, and pain they can cause. To anyone who may have been affected, we want you to know that you are seen, valued, and that we are committed to supporting you with care and compassion.
We also recognize that our prior statement may not have adequately communicated that concern. It was never our intention to diminish the seriousness of these allegations or the impact they may have had on others. We regret any hurt or misunderstanding that may have resulted and want to be clear that we take these matters seriously.
Heritage Community Church does not condone conduct that harms others or is inconsistent with our biblical values. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and any other appropriate authorities and will continue to do so throughout this process.
While we await additional information, Heritage Community Church is committed to being open, honest, and transparent with our church family regarding information that we are able to share. As additional verified information becomes available, we will provide further updates as appropriate.
We ask for prayer for everyone involved—for any individuals or families who may have been impacted, for wisdom for those responsible for investigating these matters, and for truth, healing, and justice to prevail.”
