A former U.S. pastor who once led a ministry associated with efforts to change the sexual orientation of gay men has been arrested in Florida over allegations involving a 14-year-old boy.
Alan Chambers, 54, was arrested on May 18 in Orange County following an undercover police operation involving an officer posing as a minor online, according to authorities.
Police say Chambers used Snapchat and Telegram between February and May to communicate with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Investigators allege the conversations included sexually explicit content and repeated attempts to arrange a physical meeting.
Authorities also claim he sent inappropriate images and discussed plans for an in-person meeting, including travel arrangements. In one of the messages cited in court documents, he reportedly raised concerns about the age difference but continued the communication.
He was arrested during a traffic stop, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators also said additional online messages linked to him involved requests for sexual encounters with adult male sex workers.
Chambers reportedly told police he believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old on Snapchat. He also confirmed that he lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife and children.
He now faces charges including solicitation of a minor through electronic communication, transmission of material harmful to minors, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Court records show he was released on a $15,000 bond. He has been barred from contacting anyone under 18 and restricted from using social media, except for work-related access.
