Jonathan Peternel, the son of politically connected suburban Indianapolis pastor Nathan Peternel, was sentenced Friday in Madison County to six years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony counts related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Peternel, 24, entered guilty pleas last month following a law enforcement investigation that uncovered more than 200 files depicting the sexual abuse of minors. Court records indicate some of the materials involved graphic depictions of children being drugged, raped, and tortured.
Madison County Circuit Court Judge Mark Dudley imposed the six-year sentence under a plea agreement. Peternel is expected to serve up to four years in the Indiana Department of Correction, followed by two years on probation. He will be required to register as a lifetime sex offender.
According to reporting from former Statehouse reporter Tom LoBianco of 24sight News — who was present in the courtroom — Judge Dudley outlined both aggravating and mitigating factors before issuing the sentence. Dudley stated that while the case did not represent the most severe conduct he has encountered, possession and dissemination of such material contributes directly to the exploitation of minors. He emphasized that sentencing must balance rehabilitation with accountability.
Peternel read a prepared statement in court apologizing to victims, his family, and his church community. He expressed remorse for his actions and stated that he intends to pursue faith-based rehabilitation efforts and support organizations that combat sex trafficking.
Judge Dudley acknowledged that Peternel had no significant prior delinquency history and appeared to demonstrate remorse. However, the court also noted that the criminal conduct occurred on multiple occasions and ceased only after law enforcement seized his electronic devices as part of the investigation.
“I can’t say with assurance that you won’t commit another crime,” Dudley told Peternel, stating that the defendant understood his conduct was wrong yet continued until he was caught.
LoBianco reported that members of the Peternel family were present in the courtroom for the sentencing and left following the hearing as deputies escorted Jonathan Peternel from the courtroom.
The case has drawn public attention because of the Peternel family’s ties to Life Church, a Pentecostal congregation in central Indiana where Nathan Peternel serves as a senior pastor and maintains political relationships within the state.
Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith serves as a lead pastor at one of the church’s campuses and previously launched his political career from within the church community. He did not appear at Friday’s sentencing.
Peternel was taken into custody following the hearing and will be transferred to a state correctional facility to begin serving his sentence.
You can hear the entire conversation in the audio above. It runs for 36 minutes.
