CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A Clay County worship leader has been arrested on charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, traveling to meet a minor and lewd and lascivious touching and transmission of harmful material to minors.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office says 32-year-old Jeremiah Paul Grover, who worked as a worship leader for Elevate Life Church in Oakleaf Plantation, has been investigated since July 2024. He was accused of "criminal sexual activities" with a minor, which occurred been March and June of last year, CCSO said.
Police say Grover traveled and met with the minor in both Clay and Duval counties, where "sexual criminal conduct" happened.
His bond is set at $325,015.
Police are still investigating. They are asking that if you know anything, you call 904-264-6512 and ask for the Special Victims Unit.
You can also submit a tip via the Safer Watch App.
Elevate Life Church Chief Financial Officer Mark Mellen said in a statement that the church had learned of Grover's behavior months ago and fired him. They said they terminated his employment "within hours," and told police and CPS.
The full statement is below:
"Recently, we learned that a former member of our staff has been arrested because of possible inappropriate conduct involving a minor. When we first learned of this inappropriate behavior, some months ago, we looked into the matter and within hours determined to terminate his employment.
We notified CPS and the local police, and obviously they have been, and continue to, investigate the situation.
While we do not want to speculate on this legal matter, we have been, and will continue to, proactively cooperate with local law enforcement and pray that truth will be revealed, and justice served.
Previously, we had never received any prior complaints or had past concerns regarding this former employee’s behavior.
We are heartbroken that a trusted staff member violated our church’s policies, procedures, and code of conduct. Our heart breaks for any person who is a victim of such abuse.
Any allegation of any kind of abuse or misconduct is always taken seriously and handled earnestly by the leadership of Elevate Life Church.
Elevate Life has made it a top priority to not only provide spiritual care but also provide safe environments for anyone attending our services or events. Our precautionary measures include background checks, volunteer vetting processes, employment screenings, safety trainings, and various security measures to help minimize any potential misconduct."
