State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Jonathan Edward Elwing was convicted after jury trial of twelve felony offenses related to the sexual abuse of children: Sexual Battery by a Person 18 Years of Age or Older Upon a Child Less than 12 Years Of Age; Lewd or Lascivious Molestation by a Person 18 Years of Age or Older Upon a Child Less than 12 Years of Age; 5 Counts of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance; and 5 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
The crimes were committed between April and June of 2024 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children and Crimes Against Children divisions.
The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on April 20 – April 21, 2026.
The defendant was sentenced immediately following the guilty verdict on April 21, 2026.
Circuit Court Judge Ryan Felix sentenced the defendant to twelve life sentences, one for each count of which he was convicted. He was also designated a sexual predator. Three of the life sentences were ordered to be served consecutively, with the remaining sentences to run concurrent with each other.
The defendant in this case was the senior pastor at a local Palmetto church. His actions of abuse were discovered when law enforcement received a tip related to suspicious internet activity on an account associated with the defendant. Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the defendant’s electronic devices, which led to the discovery of his heinous acts of abuse.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented,
“The State would like to recognize the diligent work of the MSO Crimes Against Children Detectives who were able to obtain overwhelming evidence of this defendant’s guilt. Their efforts ensure that no children will be exposed to any additional harm at the hands of this defendant. We would also like to thank the members of the jury for their time and careful consideration in this disturbing case.”
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.