That tip set off a multi-agency investigation that has since drawn national attention for the extreme nature of the materials discovered.
‘Sadomasochistic child abuse’
Authorities with the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at Peternel’s Indiana residence, where they confiscated multiple electronic devices, allegedly belonging to Jonathan.
“Jonathan Wesley Peternel was arrested on seven felony counts related to child sex crimes,” Fishers Police Department shared in a Facebook post alongside a photo of the accused, who identified himself as a member of the Indiana National Guard working as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic.
“Evidence was located showing that he possessed over 200 files of Child Sex Abuse Material. Some of this included sadomasochistic child abuse, children that appeared to be drugged or intoxicated while being abused, violent child molestation, and photorealistic AI-generated photos of nude pregnant toddlers.”
Among the shocking findings was the reported discovery of “more than 50 photos and videos” that appeared to show Jonathan’s parents, Pastor Peternel and his wife Christina, “nude or engaged in sex acts,” according to court documents obtained by the Indiana Citizen.
