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An Oklahoma teen has been arrested for alleged possession of child pornography after allegedly taking pictures of underage boys at a church camp in the state.
Luke Bartels, 19, was arrested for allegedly taking “photos and videos of minors in the bathroom” of the Kiamichi Baptist Assembly camp in Talihina, according to the Latimer County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrived, conducted an investigation and Bartels confessed, police said in a statement Saturday.
“After a confession and a search of (Bartel’s) phone, he was arrested for possession of child pornography and the production of child pornography,” the police said.
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Luke Bartels, 19, was arrested for allegedly taking “photos and videos of minors in the bathroom” of the Kiamichi Baptist Assembly camp in Talihina, Oklahoma, according to the Latimer County Sheriffs’ Office. (Latimer County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities noted that Bartels is currently in Latimer County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Kiamichi Baptist Assembly is a children’s and teens’ camp that was founded in 1942 and is associated with the Southern Baptists, according to its website, which noted that the camp “cares for nearly 10,000 campers each year.”
A spokesman for the camp told the Christian Post that Bartels was not involved with the camp, and that area churches monitor each of the property’s 40 cabins, which have their own dining and living areas.
The Kiamichi Baptist Assembly camp is located in Talihina, Oklahoma. (Google Maps)
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“The young man had just graduated from high school and came with his group as a camper. We were told that he had taken pictures of male members in his group in underwear. So we immediately called the sheriff,” said the spokesman.
Luke Bartels is currently being held in Latimer County Jail on $100,000 bail, authorities said. (Google Maps)
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“It is my understanding that they found images on his phone that were taken before he was in the camp. However, I was not present at any questioning of the suspect. He was not a member of staff or associated with the camp in any capacity.” said the spokesperson. added.
Jon Brown is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
