LEESBURG, Fla. — A Fruitland Park man was arrested Friday after an investigation uncovered digital files involving females, including videos investigators say were recorded with a concealed camera inside a church bathroom and a room where adolescent girls were changing following a baptism service, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Charles Barton “Bart” Lucas, 59, was arrested on five counts of video voyeurism. Four counts involve adult victims and one involves a victim younger than 16, according to an arrest affidavit. He was released from the Lake County Jail on $25,000 bond.
The investigation began after suspicious material was discovered on a work computer used by Lucas and turned over to the Leesburg Police Department, according to the sheriff’s office.
As the investigation continued, detectives found additional material stored on a cloud drive. Investigators determined some of the videos had been recorded in Lake County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction and requested LCSO continue the investigation, LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said.
“As the investigation continued it was determined that the videos were taken from a concealed camera inside a church bathroom and a room where adolescent girls were changing after a baptism service,” Vachon said.
Some of the videos date back to the early 2000s, according to Vachon.
Detectives determined Lucas was listed on the website of Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park as an “Overseer.” The church website states overseers “provide spiritual oversight, direction, and leadership for our church family, entrusting the implementation of that direction to the ministry team and staff, under the leadership of the senior pastor.”
Detectives examined the restroom where the videos had been recorded but determined the cameras were no longer present, Vachon said. The pastor of Heritage Community Church has been cooperative and is assisting investigators.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Lucas’ home Friday, and the investigation remains active. Detectives are working to identify victims, and as they are identified, they will be contacted individually, according to Vachon.
RoMac Building Supply, Lucas’ former employer, released a statement on social media Saturday afternoon.
“We are aware of the charges against Bart Lucas. The conduct alleged is appalling and runs counter to everything RoMac stands for. The material was found by our own team and reported to law enforcement immediately, and we have cooperated fully from the start. Mr. Lucas is no longer employed by RoMac. Because this is an active legal matter, we are not able to share further details.”
