A Florida man who once led one of the country’s most well-known conversion therapy ministries has been arrested after authorities accused him of trying to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex.
Alan Chambers, the former head of Exodus International, was arrested in Orange County, Florida, and is now facing multiple charges, according to court records.
Chambers was charged with soliciting a minor via computer, transmitting information harmful to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
According to reports from WESH, Fox 35, and WFTV, the arrest came after a months-long sting operation. Investigators said Chambers had allegedly been messaging an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy.
Authorities claim Chambers communicated with the undercover officer through Snapchat, text messages, and Telegram.
According to WESH, which cited the arrest affidavit, Chambers allegedly sent an explicit photo during the conversations. The affidavit also claimed he discussed meeting the person he believed was a teen on multiple occasions, while appearing worried about being caught.
Chambers was arrested Monday, May 18, in Winter Park, Florida, according to WFTV.
It is not immediately clear whether he has entered a plea. He remains jailed in Orange County.
The arrest is especially shocking because of Chambers’ public past.
He once served as president of Exodus International, a former ministry known for promoting conversion therapy, the widely condemned practice that claimed to change a person’s sexual orientation.
Chambers made national headlines in 2012 when he publicly disavowed his support for conversion therapy. In 2013, he apologized to the gay community, saying he was sorry for the “undue suffering and judgment” caused by the organization and the church more broadly.
He has also written three books. Two were published while he led Exodus and supported conversion therapy, while a third came after he renounced the practice.
Now, years after publicly distancing himself from the ministry that made him famous, Chambers is facing serious criminal accusations tied to an alleged undercover child sex sting.
PERVERT! Chop of his biden!