A Seaford children’s pastor has been charged with 10 counts of dealing in child pornography.
The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking any information people may have in connection with a Seaford children’s pastor being charged with dealing in child pornography.
James R. Dryden, 74, was arrested Feb. 15 following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led by the Delaware State Police and the DOJ.
He has been charged with 10 felony counts of dealing in child pornography.
Dryden has been a children’s pastor at Stein Highway Church of God for more than 20 years. He is not charged with contacting a child, and investigators are not currently aware of any victims connected with the church.
However, the DOJ said, since Dryden’s job brought him into regular contact with children, it is seeking any information the public may have about this case. Anyone with information should contact the task force at (302) 739-2030.
“The evidence in this investigation is deeply disturbing,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Nothing is more important than protecting our kids, and I’m grateful for the members of the ICAC Task Force who dedicate their lives to keeping our most vulnerable citizens safe.”
The task force’s investigation was spurred by multiple CyberTips generated by Microsoft warning that Dryden’s IP address had accessed and downloaded child sexual abuse material, a press release said.
Upon receiving the CyberTips, detectives from the Delaware State Police and investigators from the Department of Justice contacted Dryden at his home and, following a forensic examination of his personal devices, discovered additional child sexual material.
Dryden was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $500,000 cash bail.
The Department of Justice and the state police press released reminded the public that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
