A former youth pastor at Futures Church in Adelaide, has been arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, for allegedly possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material on social media messaging app, Kik.

Previously based at the church’s Salisbury campus, Daniel Menelaou, 28 moved to its Atlanta branch in 2023.

Authorities began investigating after a cyber-tip in February, leading to an 11th March raid on Menelaou’s home, where electronic devices were seized, according to ABC News.

A Fulton County warrant stated he distributed illegal content between July 2024 and January 2025.

During questioning, he allegedly admitted to receiving explicit material and struggling with pornography addiction.

Menelaou now faces six charges, with further legal action possible.

Futures Church condemned the allegations as “appalling”, confirmed his immediate dismissal, and assured the congregation that the case was unrelated to the church community.

The investigation is ongoing.