Okaloosa County Florida Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested an ACNA rector, charging him with multiple counts of possession of child pornography. On 10 January 2025 the Sheriff’s Office said they had detained the Rev. Frank Gough II the prior “on 30 counts of possession of child pornography following the execution of a search warrant at his home on 8th Street.”
The Sheriff’s Office stated the “National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip in May 2024 regarding uploaded sexual images believed to contain children.
“An OCSO Investigation of the information ultimately led to Gough’s home. During the search, computer storage devices were located and seized.
“On those devices investigators found extensive files of child pornography including video of a young female who appears to be between three and five years old.
“Units from Internet Crimes Against Children, OCSO Drug Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigation took part in the search warrant.”
Gough (64) had been serving as rector of Resurrection Anglican Church in Shalimar, FL, a parish of the Diocese of the Gulf Atlantic. Canon Samuel Horowitz, a spokesman for the Rt. Rev. Alex Farmer told Anglican.Ink: “The Gulf Atlantic Diocese takes very seriously the mandate to safeguard the people entrusted to us, especially children. The news that Fr. Frank Gough, Rector of Resurrection Anglican Church, Shalimar, was arrested for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material, is both shocking and heartbreaking.”
“The Bishop immediately inhibited Frank Gough from ministry and was with the congregation in worship on Sunday.”
“In addition to supporting the ongoing law enforcement investigation, the Diocese has initiated its own thorough investigation to determine the extent of any misconduct beyond the current charges. We will endeavor to be as transparent as possible throughout this process, and we commend the victims of abuse, the people of Resurrection Shalimar, the Gough family, and the broader community to your prayers.”
Gough has served since 2010 as the Rector of Resurrection Anglican Church in Shalimar, Florida. Ordained in 2000 by the Rt. Rev. John W. Howe for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, he served as vicar of Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church in Lecanto until he withdrew from the Episcopal Church in 2004. He founded the Anglican Church of Our Redeemer, Hernando, Florida from 2004-2007, and then served as Interim Rector of St. Christopher Anglican Church, Crystal River, before taking up his post at Resurrection.
Distributing, transmitting, or possessing child pornography of any kind is considered a third-degree felony in the state of Florida. Each count of the indictment comes with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
The case is on-going.