A music minister at First Baptist Church of Borger was arrested Wednesday by the FBI on a federal child pornography charge, prompting the church to immediately suspend him from all ministry duties.
Tharon Drake, 53, is charged with receipt of child pornography in a federal criminal complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Amarillo.
First Baptist Church of Borger said it learned of Drake’s arrest Wednesday and suspended him because of the serious nature of the allegations.
“We are shocked, deeply saddened, and heartbroken,” the church said in a statement signed by Lead Pastor Jonathan McMeans on behalf of the church’s elders.
Drake had served as the church’s minister of worship arts and media since 2020, according to an earlier post on the church’s Facebook page. His profile and contact information had been removed from the church’s website by Thursday morning.
Federal complaint details allegations
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI investigation centers on Drake’s alleged online communications with minors and with an undercover FBI employee posing as a 13-year-old girl.
Investigators allege Drake began communicating through Kik in 2024 with the account operated by the undercover employee.
The complaint alleges Drake later used Snapchat to exchange sexually explicit messages with minors and received sexually explicit images and videos from two minors.
According to court records, one of the minors told Drake she was 16. Investigators allege Drake received one sexually explicit image and one video from that minor.
The complaint further alleges Drake received 53 sexually explicit videos and seven sexually explicit images from another minor.
The allegations are contained in a criminal complaint and have not been proven in court.
Church says it is cooperating with authorities
First Baptist Church said it is following its bylaws and established employment procedures while the federal case moves forward.
The church also said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and taking steps to protect the safety and well-being of people entrusted to its care.
“Because this is an active federal investigation, there are many questions we cannot answer at this time,” the church said.
In its full statement, church leaders said they would not attempt to hide wrongdoing or protect reputations at the expense of vulnerable people.
“The gospel does not call us to hide sin or protect reputations; it calls us to walk in the light, to love what is true and righteous, to protect those who are vulnerable, and to extend mercy while pursuing justice,” the statement said.
U.S. attorney vows action against those who target children
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said federal prosecutors would aggressively pursue cases involving the exploitation of children.
“My office has zero tolerance for those who prey on children—whether in person or behind a screen,” Raybould said. “I want to reassure families that we are watching, we are vigilant and we will act swiftly and decisively against anyone who harms children.”
If convicted of receipt of child pornography, Drake faces between five and 20 years in federal prison.
