In a shocking turn of events, Neal Creecy, the senior pastor of Redemption Church in Las Vegas, has resigned following his arrest for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual acts with a minor online. Creecy, 46, who founded the church in 2018, was taken into custody as part of a multi-agency sting operation targeting child predators.
According to reports, Creecy was arrested on August 7 after communicating with an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old boy on a hookup app. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated that Creecy’s messages quickly escalated to sexual content, leading him to agree to meet for illicit activities. After his arrest, he reportedly expressed remorse, telling investigators, “I’m so sorry.”
W. Don Seaborg, president of pastoral support for Redemption Church, confirmed Creecy’s resignation shortly after his release from jail. He stated, “As soon as he got out of jail, he contacted us and confessed. We had to accept his resignation immediately.” This shocking incident has left the church community and many followers reeling.
Creecy’s background is notable; he held a Master’s of Divinity and a Ph.D. in missiology from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He had been involved in church planting and pastoral ministry for nearly three decades and served as the vice president of Global Church Planting Partners. His contributions to the church community were significant, making this incident even more disheartening for many.
The sting operation that led to Creecy’s arrest was part of a broader initiative by local law enforcement to combat child exploitation. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has urged parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of online interactions. They emphasized the importance of monitoring children’s online activities to protect them from potential predators.
“We encourage parents to routinely check their children’s social media and online app usage to prevent them from becoming victims,” police officials stated. They also provided resources for anyone who might have been affected by this case or has information regarding these crimes. Victims or witnesses are urged to reach out to the LVMPD Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force or contact Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips.
Creecy is currently out on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on September 2. The case has sparked discussions on the responsibility of church leaders and the importance of accountability within faith communities.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing churches today, especially regarding the safety of children in an increasingly digital world. The Christian community must remain vigilant, fostering environments of trust and transparency, while also addressing the serious issues of online safety and child protection.
For ongoing updates and resources related to child safety and community support, visit National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.