By Diana McFarland

Managing editor

The pastor of Battery Park Baptist Church was arrested on child pornography charges Monday.

Christopher Alan Hogge, 48, of the 10000 block of Newport Street in Battery Park, was arrested on eight felony counts of distributing child pornography, according to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office.

Hogge is also the director of Social Services for the city of Franklin. {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

Efforts to reach city officials about his employment were unsuccessful by press time.

Investigators with the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber tip this month from the National Center for Missing and Exploited children, through the Bedford County Internet Crimes Against Children, that an internet account in Isle of Wight had been on an online social media account that contained images of matter depicting child pornography and exploitation.

The Bedford County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is one of two task forces in Virginia that specialize in the investigation of Internet crimes against children to include child pornography. This task force serves as a clearinghouse for investigations for law enforcement agencies throughout southern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Search warrants are being executed in connection with this case at Hogge’s home, church and workplace in Franklin, according to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office.

Some members of Hogge’s congregation at Battery Park Baptist Church were shocked to hear that their pastor was arrested on child porn distribution charges.

Deacon James William Peden said the congregation had just celebrated Hogge’s 16-year anniversary as pastor on Sunday.

“It’s hard to believe,” said Peden, who said Hogge will not be preaching there in the future, but unsure of what direction the congregation will take.

Peden was not aware of the evidence or any other information about the case.

O.A. Spady, whose family has been members for generations but not active himself, said, “You never know.”

“It will be a shock, but they’ll get over it,” he said, adding that the church will have to find another preacher.

John Brayshaw had been a member for about 10 years when Hogge took his first preaching job at the church. Brayshaw was unhappy with the direction Hogge was taking the church and left shortly after his arrival.

Hogge came to Battery Park Baptist in 2001. He has a wife and two children, according to the church’s website.

The Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the cooperation of the city of Franklin during this investigation. The investigation continues, and as evidence is examined, additional charges may be sought, according to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office. Hogge was taken before a magistrate and a no bond status was set. He was transported to Western Tidewater Regional Jail.  {/mprestriction}