PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – The Palatka Police Department issued a statement Thursday surrounding the recent arrest of 26-year-old Caleb Roberts, who served at Victory Church in Palatka.
In April, Operation 17:2 posted a video on YouTube of the group confronting Roberts at a drug store and accusing him of traveling to meet a minor.
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Operation 17:2 describes itself as a nonprofit that identifies and pursues accused child predators, named after Bible verse Luke 17:2.
Police say Roberts was arrested June 24 in Hillsborough County on a warrant issued by the Palatka Police Department.
Police Investigation
The department emphasized that Operation 17:2 was not acting under the direction, supervision or in partnership with the agency. Because of that, investigators said they could not accept the information provided at face value and required an independent criminal investigation.
The department said that process included obtaining and executing search warrants for electronic devices, conducting forensic analysis of digital evidence, verifying IP address information and other electronic records, and confirming the accuracy and authenticity of communications and evidence provided.
Arrest warrant issued June 9
Because of the extensive investigative process required, the department said an immediate arrest at the scene was not legally appropriate. An arrest warrant was issued June 9, 2026, following the completion of the investigation.
Roberts faces four charges:
- Traveling to meet a minor
- Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
- Transmission of harmful material to a minor by electronic device
- Soliciting a child, or a person believed to be a child, for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer service or electronic device
The Palatka Police Department said its responsibility is to ensure every case is built on independently verified evidence.
“While public concern in cases involving crimes against children is understandable, our responsibility is to ensure every case is built on independently verified evidence that can be successfully prosecuted in court,” the department said.
Outrage on Social Media
The release of Operation 17:2’s video of Roberts sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with hundreds of comments and 38,000 views.
Days later, Victory Church posted a lengthy statement on social media on April 27 saying, “After much prayer and careful consideration, we want to share that Pastor Steve and Angie Roberts have stepped down from their roles at Victory Church, effective immediately. Recent circumstances have brought deep sorrow to many within our church and our community.”