Church Youth Director Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography, Indecency with a Child

DENTON, TX, Sept. 25, 2024 - The Denton Police Department has arrested Craig Stone, a 63-year-old youth director at a church in the 1500 block of Willowwood Street, for two felony offenses involving teenage victims.

On Aug. 28, a parent and their child reported Stone was engaging in inappropriate behavior with teenagers. During subsequent interviews throughout September, additional teenagers told detectives about possible sexual images of children on Stone's computer. A male teen also reported being inappropriately touched by Stone.

Detectives served an evidentiary search warrant at the church and Stone's residence on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Stone agreed to speak with detectives, and he admitted to touching the victim. He also admitted to possessing naked images of another male victim.

Detectives secured arrest warrants for Possession of Child Pornography and Indecency with a Child by Contact. Stone was arrested and booked into the City of Denton Jail on Tuesday night. His bond has been set at $20,000.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about Stone, including any unreported incidents, is encouraged to contact Detective Marqui Curtis at 940-349-7727.

Resources are available for anyone impacted by sexual abuse:

• The Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas (972-317-2818) empowers child abuse victims and their families through education, healing, and justice.
• Denton County Friends of the Family provides compassionate, comprehensive services, including a 24-hour crisis line available via phone or text at 940-382-7273.

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