A former evangelical get-out-the-vote nonprofit president is facing charges for possession of child sexual abuse material. Jason Yates, 55, the ex-CEO of My Faith Votes, was charged with eight counts of possessing pornographic work involving minors under 14 years old. The charges stem from a witness providing authorities with a hard drive containing suspected material. Each charge notes Yates’ prior conviction as a registered predatory offender.
Yates’ attorney declined to comment on the case. According to a probable cause statement, a witness found the hard drive in Yates’ office, leading to the discovery of explicit images and videos of children aged 5 to 11.
My Faith Votes, where Yates served as CEO and president, has distanced itself from him since the allegations surfaced. The group advocates for Christian citizens to vote and has collaborated with influential conservative figures.
Yates was released following his hearing under the condition of no contact with minors. Earlier this year, he wrote an op-ed urging Christians to stand against certain behaviors in schools.
For support, visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.
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