UPDATE 4/12 -- The North Rome Wesleyan Church has put out a statement in response to this situation.  According to their post, Brad Swink was an Assistant Pastor.

"We are shocked and saddened with the news of the arrest of Assistant Pastor, Rev. Brad Swink, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The church has been cooperating with the authorities as they conduct their investigation. Rev. Swink has been suspended from his role at the church, and his credentials suspended, pending further developments.

NRWC strictly abides by PA regulations for clearances and background checks for those that work with children and youth. In regards to Rev. Swink, the necessary clearances and checks were in place.

As a church, we stand against child pornography and the exploitation of children in any way. We pray for light, truth, and justice in this matter."

BRADFORD COUNTY, PA (WENY) -- Pennsylvania State Police announced on Friday, April 11th that a child predator sting launched in Bradford County over the previous four days has netted multiple arrests. As it stands, six men from across Bradford County face multiple charges of Sexual Abuse of Children and more. 

According to police, State police coordinated with the FBI, the Bradford County District Attorney's Office, and local police to respond to 15 homes and execute seven residential search warrants. 

As a results, Robert Michel of Wysox has been charged with 11 counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and two counts of Criminal use of Communication Facility. He is being held after failing to post $100,000 bail. 

Calvin Shaffer of Wyalusing has been charged with 20 counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and two counts of Criminal use of Communication Facility. He is also being held after failing to post $75,000 bail. 

Evan Hitchcock of Rome has been charged with 20 counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and one count of Criminal use of Communication Facility. He is being held after failing to post $300,000 bail. 

Brandon Lantz of Athens has been charged with 22 counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and six counts of Criminal use of Communication Facility. He is being held after failing to post $500,000 bail. 

Brad Swink of Rome has been charged with five counts of Sexual Abuse of Children, and one count of Criminal use of Communication Facility. He is being held after failing to post $500,000 in bail. 

And Robert Pillot of Canton is being held without bail on 33 counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and six counts of Fail to Provide Accurate Registration Info.

PSP says one additional arrest is pending the results of a digital forensics investigation. The investigation started after getting 24 cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

During the course of the investigation, PSP says several juvenile victims were identified, and that they, and their parents were, "were educated about the dangers of online activity."

For more information and resources about the dangers being online can pose for children, please visit here.