ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, N.Y. -- Merton Parks was the acting pastor of the First Baptist Church in the Town of Fine for three years until he became the subject of a federal investigation.
“In July of this year, the Federal agency, Immigration, Customs Enforcement child pornography unit in Massena did an investigation called Operation Flicker in which they're looking for child pornographers," said Albert Duquette, Detective Sergeant with the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department.
The unit tracked images to Parks, who they say downloaded them on the church's computer.
"Parks was in possession of child pornography," said Duquette. "Which we all know is wrong and the fact that he's a clergy is disturbing."
Prior to his arrest, trustees at Parks' church learned of his involvement in the case and sent a clear message that they did not approve of his behavior.
A North Country pastor has been arrested on child pornography charges. Merton Parks has been accused of downloading images on his computer at the First Baptist Church in the town of Fine. Our Kaitlyn Lionti has more on the investigation and how the church is dealing with it.
"We called a special meeting and told him we wanted his resignation and his stuff out of the church by Sunday and not to ever step back into the church," said Glenn Fuller, a First Baptist Church trustee.
Fuller says the church is shocked by the case, especially since Parks told them he used the images for medical reasons.
"He seemed like a very nice man and they have doctors for diseases. He says he don't believe in doctors, he drinks juices and everything else, but it takes a doctor for that kind of stuff," Fuller said.
The trustees are already planning to find Parks' replacement and say they're going to do everything they can to make sure this doesn't happen again.
"We're going to get a board together where we go to watch their services, interview them, watch a couple Sundays to see how they make out, but we are going to check his background," said Fuller.
Parks was arraigned in Canton Town Court and was released on probation. He will appear in St. Lawrence County court on a later date.
Parks' wife said the family will not be commenting on the investigation.