A longtime church leader in Central Florida has been arrested after investigators allege he secretly recorded adolescent girls inside church bathrooms and changing areas using hidden cameras.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Charles Barton “Bart” Lucas, 59, a former Overseer at Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park, Florida, was arrested on June 19, 2026, and charged with five counts of video voyeurism. Investigators allege hidden-camera recordings captured adolescent girls changing clothes and using church bathroom facilities, including after baptism services.
Cases involving churches and trusted religious leaders often represent profound breaches of trust. Experienced Florida sexual abuse attorneys understand that survivors may suffer lasting emotional trauma when abuse or exploitation occurs within faith communities that families believed were safe.
Key Takeaways
- Charles Barton Lucas, a former overseer at Heritage Community Church, has been charged with five counts of video voyeurism.
- Investigators allege Lucas secretly recorded adolescent girls inside church bathrooms and changing areas using hidden cameras.
- Authorities say some of the videos appear to date back to the early 2000s, and investigators are working to identify additional victims.
- The investigation reportedly began after Lucas’s employer discovered suspicious files during a routine review of a work computer and notified law enforcement.
- Heritage Community Church has stated it is cooperating with law enforcement and expressed concern for anyone impacted by the allegations.
- Survivors of abuse or exploitation within religious organizations may have both criminal and civil legal options.
- Experienced Florida sexual abuse attorneys can help survivors evaluate potential claims against perpetrators and, where supported by the evidence, institutions that failed to protect children.
What Are the Allegations Against Charles Barton Lucas?
According to investigators, the case began when Lucas’s employer, RoMac Building Supply, discovered inappropriate images and videos stored on a Google Drive associated with a work computer during a routine internal process. The company immediately contacted law enforcement.
Detectives allege the investigation uncovered additional videos depicting adolescent girls changing clothes and using bathrooms at Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park.
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators determined the recordings were made using hidden cameras that had allegedly been installed inside a church bathroom and a changing area used by girls following baptism services. By the time detectives returned to inspect the church, the cameras had reportedly been removed.
Authorities have stated they are continuing to identify individuals shown in the recordings, and investigators believe some of the videos may have been created years earlier.
These remain allegations, and Charles Barton Lucas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Church Leaders Hold Positions of Extraordinary Trust
Churches occupy unique positions within their communities.
Parents often trust pastors, elders, overseers, youth leaders, and volunteers with access to children during worship services, youth activities, retreats, and baptisms.
When someone in one of those trusted positions is accused of exploiting children or violating their privacy, the emotional impact on survivors and families can be devastating.
Hidden Cameras Can Cause Lasting Trauma
Although video voyeurism differs from physical sexual assault, secretly recording children or adolescents in places where they expect privacy can cause significant psychological harm.
Survivors frequently experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of trust
- Fear of being watched
- Embarrassment and humiliation
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms
- Difficulty participating in religious communities
The trauma can be especially profound when the alleged conduct occurs inside a church or other trusted institution.
Can Churches Be Held Civilly Responsible?
Criminal charges focus on whether an individual violated the law.
Civil investigations often examine whether an institution failed to protect children or other vulnerable individuals.
Depending on the facts, civil investigations may examine:
- Whether appropriate supervision existed
- Access to children’s areas within church facilities
- Security policies for bathrooms and changing rooms
- Reporting procedures for suspicious behavior
- Whether prior complaints or warning signs existed
- Institutional responses after concerns were raised
Not every criminal case results in institutional liability. However, these are important questions experienced Florida sexual abuse attorneys routinely investigate on behalf of survivors.
Protecting Children in Faith Communities
Churches that work with children should implement strong child protection policies, including:
- Comprehensive volunteer screening
- Criminal background checks
- Two-adult supervision policies
- Restricted access to children’s areas
- Clear reporting procedures
- Mandatory child protection training
- Regular safety audits of church facilities
Strong safeguards help reduce opportunities for abuse and reinforce accountability throughout an organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charles Barton Lucas accused of?
Authorities allege Charles Barton Lucas secretly recorded adolescent girls using hidden cameras inside bathrooms and changing areas at Heritage Community Church. He has been charged with five counts of video voyeurism.
Has Charles Barton Lucas been convicted?
No. These are criminal allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Are investigators looking for additional victims?
Yes. According to investigators, authorities are working to identify individuals shown in the recordings, including videos that reportedly date back to the early 2000s.
Can churches be sued for abuse or exploitation?
Potentially. Depending on the facts, churches or other religious organizations may face civil claims if negligent supervision, inadequate safety policies, or other failures contributed to abuse or exploitation.
How can Florida sexual abuse attorneys help survivors?
Experienced Florida sexual abuse attorneys can investigate institutional failures, preserve evidence, and help survivors understand whether they may have civil legal claims in addition to any criminal prosecution.
Contact Florida Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote
The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote have represented survivors of childhood sexual abuse and institutional abuse nationwide. We understand the devastating impact abuse and exploitation can have when they occur within trusted organizations, including churches and religious institutions.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse, exploitation, or privacy violations involving a church, youth ministry, religious leader, or other trusted adult, our Florida sexual abuse attorneys are available to discuss your legal rights during a free and confidential consultation.
Contact us today.
Photos courtesy of Floridamemory.com and Fox35news
