Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A part-time religion teacher at St. Stephen Martyr Church in Louisville has been arrested on charges relating to child pornography. Jordan Fautz, who has worked at the parish for nine years, was arrested by the FBI on February 2. The Archdiocese of Louisville and St. Stephen Martyr Church were informed of the arrest on the same day.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Kentucky, Fautz is charged with distributing obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse and distributing child pornography. The Archdiocese of Louisville has stated that Fautz will not be returning to the church.

"The Archdiocese and the parish are fully cooperating with the investigation," said the statement from the archdiocese.

In response to this alarming situation, St. Stephen Martyr Church has organized a parent meeting on February 3 at 1 p.m. Representatives from the FBI and the archdiocese will be present to address any concerns or questions that parents may have.

The U.S. Attorney's Office has announced that Fautz will be scheduled to make an initial appearance before a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted on the charges, Fautz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.

Furthermore, the FBI is seeking to identify potential victims in this case. The press release states, "If you or your minor dependent(s) have information about Fautz, please contact the FBI at SSMtips@fbi.gov. Your responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation in identifying you or your child as a potential victim. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law."

The arrest of Jordan Fautz, a long-time religion teacher at St. Stephen Martyr Church, on child pornography charges has sent shockwaves through the community. As the investigation continues, the church and the archdiocese are fully cooperating with the authorities to ensure justice is served.

Parents of St. Stephen Martyr Church students are urged to attend the parent meeting on February 3 to receive information and support from representatives of the FBI and the archdiocese. The safety and well-being of the children are of utmost importance, and the authorities are committed to identifying any potential victims.

The seriousness of the charges against Fautz cannot be understated. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. The legal system will diligently pursue justice in this case.

The FBI's call for potential victims to come forward is crucial in uncovering the full extent of Fautz's actions. Victims may be eligible for various services and restitution under federal and state law. It is important for anyone with information to contact the FBI and contribute to the investigation.

The community of St. Stephen Martyr Church is grappling with the shocking news of a trusted teacher's arrest. The church, the archdiocese, and law enforcement agencies are working together to ensure the safety of all children and bring about a resolution to this distressing situation.