Church Youth Group Leader Charged With Sexting Teen: Hopatcong Police

HOPATCONG, NJ — A church youth group leader faces multiple charges after Hopatcong police say he used Snapchat to send photos of his genitals to a teenager.

Michael De Block, 32, of Hopatcong, is charged with sending obscenities to a minor and endangering a minor after he allegedly sent nude photos to a teen girl he met at church, Hopatcong Capt. Tom Kmetz said.

Police say De Block met the girl in a youth group he ran at a church located outside of Hopatcong. Although the church forbids leaders and teens from communicating outside of meetings, and does not have co-ed leader and student parings, De Block communicated with the teen outside of the church anyway, Kmetz said.

When the church found out De Block was communicating "in an inappropriate manner" with the girl, they notified police, Kmetz said.

De Block allegedly sent at least one photo of his genitals over Snapchat, and other inappropriate messages.

Hopatcong police said they will not be releasing the name of the church De Block worked at.

"The name of the church will not be given, for it has no bearing on this case. We want reports of crimes to be reported to us without the fear of being publicized," Capt. Tom Kmetz said.

Police want parents to use this as a warning lesson for their own children.

"Parents need to be aware of what their sons/daughters are sending over the internet. 'Not my kid,' Yes, your kid! And mine too. Please talk to your child. Tell them that they also can be charged with a crime for sending a nude pic of themselves over the internet," Kmetz wrote.

He urged parents to discussed ways Snapchat photos, which are supposed to disappear, can be saved, and to discuss the ramifications of sending nude photos in general.

"We cannot stop every sexual predator. However, we can teach our children how to prevent becoming a victim," Kmetz said.

Image via Shutterstock