A Church “Overseer” Was Trusted Around Families. Police Say a Hidden Camera Was Recording in the Bathroom

A Florida church leader is facing video voyeurism charges after investigators say hidden-camera videos of girls and women were found on his work laptop.

Charles Barton Lucas, 59, was arrested Friday after authorities say inappropriate images were discovered in a Google Drive folder on a company computer. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the material appeared to show adolescent girls and adult women in private areas, including a church bathroom and changing space.

Lucas was listed as an “Overseer” at Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park, Florida, according to an arrest affidavit.

The case reportedly began when the IT director at RoMac Building Supply contacted the Leesburg Police Department after finding the images during a routine company process. RoMac later confirmed that Lucas is no longer employed by the company.

“The material was discovered by our team during a routine company process and was immediately reported to law enforcement,” the company said in a statement. RoMac said it has cooperated with authorities from the beginning and will continue to do so.

From there, the investigation moved quickly.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators found additional videos that appeared to show adolescent girls changing inside a church bathroom. Authorities said they later determined the videos came from a hidden camera that had allegedly been placed inside one of the church’s changing rooms and bathrooms.

By the time investigators went back to inspect the bathroom, the cameras were no longer there.

That detail alone raises serious questions. If the cameras had been removed, when were they taken down? Who removed them? And how long had they allegedly been there before anyone knew?

Lucas was arrested Friday evening and booked into the Lake County Jail. He was released Saturday afternoon on a $25,000 bond, according to the sheriff’s office.

The allegations have understandably shaken people because of where they allegedly happened. A church is supposed to be a place where families feel safe. Parents trust that bathrooms, changing areas, youth spaces, and church facilities are private and protected.

That is why cases like this hit so hard. It is not only about the alleged recordings. It is also about trust, access, and whether enough safeguards were in place to protect children and families.

Heritage Community Church first released a statement saying it was praying for Lucas and his family amid the investigation. The church later issued a follow-up statement emphasizing concern for anyone who may have been impacted by the allegations.

“Our primary concern is for any individuals or families who may have been impacted by these allegations,” the church said. “We recognize the seriousness of situations like this and the deep hurt, confusion, and pain they can cause.”

The church also said it does not condone conduct that harms others or goes against its biblical values, adding that it is cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so.

At this stage, Lucas has been charged, but he has not been convicted. The investigation remains ongoing.

Still, this case brings up an uncomfortable but important conversation for parents, churches, schools, businesses, and youth organizations. How often are private spaces actually inspected? Who has access to bathrooms and changing rooms? Are cameras, vents, outlets, ceiling tiles, and other hiding places ever checked?

Because when trust is broken in a place where families are supposed to feel safe, the damage can go far beyond one arrest.

What do you think churches and youth organizations should be required to do to protect children in bathrooms and changing areas? Should routine hidden-camera checks become standard in any place that serves minors?