JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Florida undercover sting targeting accused child sex predators has led to the arrest of a man with former ties to a Jacksonville church.
John Goodman faces multiple charges after Marion County deputies say he tried to arrange a sexual encounter with a 7-year-old girl.
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Goodman was arrested after deputies say he was messaging with a man he believed was trying to arrange for Goodman to have sex with his young daughter. That man turned out to be an undercover officer. Deputies say Goodman was arrested when he showed up at the meeting location.
Larissa Pena and her husband Luis recognized Goodman from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrest video that circulated on social media. The couple knew Goodman during their time at Oceanway Church in Jacksonville.
“We were youth pastors, and he was part of the worship team,” Luis Pena said.
Larissa and Luis Pena were among several people who saw the arrest video online and contacted News4JAX.
The Pena addressed the situation in a Facebook video, saying people had been aware of concerns surrounding Goodman.
“The sad reality is that people knew the truth,” he said. “This has been going on long enough.”
Oceanway Church responded to News4JAX through an attorney, saying Goodman was a volunteer — not a staff member or church leader.
“Goodman volunteered in our adult music program on Sunday mornings in the main sanctuary. He was not part of our pastoral staff or leadership, and he held no official position with the church,” the statement said.
The church also addressed prior concerns involving Goodman, stating: “Several years ago, concerns involving this family were brought to our attention. What was alleged did not take place at the church or during any church activity. The matter was reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families, and we cooperated fully and followed the direction DCF provided.”
The church confirmed Goodman’s family was eventually asked to leave. The church also said Goodman has not been part of the church for years and could not comment on the pending case.
The results and details of the previous DCF investigation are not yet clear. News4JAX is working to learn more.
Goodman is booked on multiple charges, including using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent and destroying evidence.
The church said it remains committed to being a place where families and children are protected and is open to honest questions.
See the church’s full statement:
Oceanway Church cares deeply about the safety of children and families, and we understand the concern this news has caused.
John Goodman volunteered in our adult music program on Sunday mornings in the main sanctuary. He was not part of our pastoral staff or leadership, and he held no official position with the church. He did not volunteer with children or youth ministries. His family began attending before our current pastors came to Oceanway in 2016.
Several years ago, concerns involving this family were brought to our attention. What was alleged did not take place at the church or during any church activity. The matter was reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families, and we cooperated fully and followed the direction DCF provided. We also removed the family from serving, and they were eventually asked to leave the church. They have not been part of Oceanway for years and have not returned.
Out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, we are not in a position to comment on the details of the pending case.
Our pastor recently spoke with the congregation to address these developments openly and to reaffirm what has always guided this church. We are committed to being a place where children, families, and every person who walks through our doors are protected, cared for, and valued. We welcome honest questions and take that responsibility seriously.
Attorney statement on behalf of Oceanway Church