Central Georgia Youth Pastor Accused of Child Pornography Charges Being Extradited to Pennsylvania

Tyler Moreland, 30, waived his extradition hearing and is awaiting transfer to Pennsylvania authorities.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The arrest of a youth pastor on child pornography charges exposes the vulnerabilities that exist and the need for greater vigilance to protect children.Macon Today

A 30-year-old youth pastor from Macon, Georgia, Tyler Moreland, is being extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges of possession of child pornography. Moreland was arrested in Houston County, Georgia, and has been terminated from his position at Mount Zion Baptist Church. He previously worked as a history teacher and coach at Trinity Christian School in Dublin, Georgia.

Why it matters

The arrest of a youth pastor on child pornography charges is a serious matter that raises concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the community. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the exploitation of minors and the importance of thorough background checks and oversight for individuals working with young people.

The details

According to Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards, Tyler Moreland has waived his extradition hearing and is awaiting transfer to Pennsylvania authorities. Moreland was arrested in Houston County and faces five counts of possession of child pornography. Investigators said he was in contact with a child and downloading explicit images. Moreland was immediately terminated from his position as the Director of Students and Families at Mount Zion Baptist Church upon his arrest on April 13, 2026. He had also previously worked as a history teacher and coach at Trinity Christian School in Dublin, Georgia.

  • Moreland was arrested on April 13, 2026.
  • Moreland has worked at Mount Zion Baptist Church since June 2025.

The players

Tyler Moreland

A 30-year-old youth pastor from Macon, Georgia, who is being extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges of possession of child pornography.

Eric Edwards

The Houston County District Attorney, who stated that Moreland has waived his extradition hearing and is awaiting transfer to Pennsylvania authorities.

Mount Zion Baptist Church

The church where Moreland was employed as the Director of Students and Families, and from which he was immediately terminated upon his arrest.

Trinity Christian School

The school in Dublin, Georgia, where Moreland previously worked as a history teacher and coach.

Larry Collins

The head of Trinity Christian School, who confirmed that Moreland was employed at the school for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years.

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What they’re saying

“He will remain in the Houston County Jail until Pennsylvania officers arrive to pick him up.”

— Eric Edwards, Houston County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge in Pennsylvania will determine the next steps in Moreland's case, including whether he will be granted bail or remain in custody until his trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing oversight for individuals working with children, as well as the need for continued vigilance and action to combat the exploitation of minors. The arrest of a youth pastor on such serious charges is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist and the responsibility of the community to protect its most vulnerable members.