Son of ‘Covenant Eyes’ Founder Charged With Child Sex Abuse, ‘Using Computers To Commit a Crime’

A Michigan man linked to prominent “anti-adult content” software has been charged with several child sex offenses after trying to meet up with a decoy minor for sexual activity.

On August 13, 2025, Kent County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Thomas Wideman, stepson of Ron DeHaas, co-founder of Covenant Eyes, a tool used by churches, schools, and families to monitor and filter online adult content.

Founded in 2000 with the expressed purpose of shielding his stepsons and family from the dangers of internet, following the death of his first wife and children in a tragic car accident, DeHaas’s Covenant Eyes pioneered the concept of Internet Accountability and claims more than 1.7 million people have rejected pornography as a result of their software.

According to court documents, an undercover female detective, posing as a 14-year-old girl, began communicating with Wideman on July 23. Over several weeks, Wideman sent explicit messages, expressed intent to bring condoms to a meeting, and requested photos.

A meeting was arranged for August 14 at a location provided by the detective. Upon arrival, Wideman was apprehended by officers, and a subsequent search of his phone revealed several child pornography videos.

Wideman faces eight felony charges, including using a computer to commit a crime, child sexually abusive activity, and soliciting minors for immoral purposes, some carrying potential life sentences.

His bond was set at $300,000, which was paid with assistance from DeHaas, allowing Wideman’s release pending trial. A status conference is scheduled for October.

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