FBI Seeks Additional Victims in Springfield Church Official's Child Pornography Case

The case against Michael William Mohr, 54, began when a juvenile discovered a camera concealed inside what appeared to be an electronic device charger following an incident at a hotel. Now, with the federal investigation expanding, the FBI is asking anyone who may have been victimized by the Springfield church official to come forward.

Mohr, who served as president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Central Illinois District, was arrested and charged in January with production of child pornography and additional counts of possession. Searches of his properties uncovered storage devices and hidden cameras containing video of juveniles, according to court documents and the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint. The matter is being prosecuted by the St. Louis U.S. Attorney's Office in federal court.

The FBI's Springfield Division, working with cooperating offices, made the call for additional victims public in late March. Investigators are asking anyone with information, even details that seem outdated or minor, to submit tips through the FBI's online tip portal or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The reach of Mohr's former role makes the request broadly relevant across the region. As president of the LCMS Central Illinois District, he held a position connecting him to congregations spread across multiple counties in central Illinois, giving him access to a wide network of communities, families, and institutions over an extended period.

The case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting child sexual exploitation. Federal charges of producing child pornography carry substantial penalties.

When Mohr's arrest became public in January, church leadership issued a written statement saying there were no words to adequately express the "sorrow and shame" the situation had caused congregants and communities. The FBI and U.S. Attorney's office have indicated that victim-witness assistance resources and confidentiality protections are available to anyone who contacts investigators.