Kenosha pastor accused of using man’s phone while in church meeting to AirDrop himself nude photos of his wife
A Kenosha pastor has been charged with two felonies after, prosecutors say, he used a man’s cellphone during a group meeting to send himself nude photographs of the man’s wife.
Gabriel E. Mills, a 41-year-old former pastor at Journey Church in Kenosha, was charged Wednesday with two counts of capturing an intimate representation.
The Kenosha Police Department issued a statement Wednesday announcing that Mills made his initial appearance in court that same day where bail was set at $7,500.
According to a criminal complaint, a detective met with a married couple on Sept. 28 regarding Mills, who they accuse of using the husband’s cellphone and sending himself nude or partially nude photos of the man’s wife without her consent during a life group meeting the night of Sept. 22.
The husband said Mills had his phone because he needed help downloading an audio book. An analysis of the phone found that the texting and AirDrop apps were used while Mills had the phone, according to the complaint, and police found two photos of the man’s wife on Mills’ phone when they executed a search warrant on the device.
Mills was listed as a “Guest Experience Pastor” on the Journey Church website but has since been removed, the complaint states. He was terminated on Sept. 29 and arrested on Sept. 30.
As a condition of his bail, Mills cannot contact Journey Church or its staff members, the couple and cannot posses a device of others.
Pastor Kevin Taylor with Journey Church, whose Kenosha campus is located at 10700 75th St., issued a statement.
“This news has come as a great shock to our church and school community,” he said. “We hold our leaders to the highest standards of moral conduct, and any violation of these values is deeply troubling. We terminated Gabe’s employment upon learning of the allegations that led to his arrest.
“Our hearts go out to anyone who may have been impacted by this situation. We are offering counseling and pastoral care to those affected. We ask that you respect their privacy during this time.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability throughout this process and will await further information from the authorities.”
Police said it is an open investigation and anyone with information can contact Det. Eric Traxler at 262-605-5225.
Mills’ attorney, Patrick Cafferty, declined to comment on Wednesday.
Kenosha County crime victim resources
The Wisconsin Department of Justice recommends the following resources for victims of crime in Kenosha County.
Aurora Health Care Sexual Assault Healing and Advocacy Services: Visit here to access website or call 262-656-3500.
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin – Kenosha Child Advocacy Center: Visit here to access website or call 262-653-2266.
Kenosha Human Development Services: Visit here to access website or call the 24/7 emergency mental health line at 262-657-7188.
Kids Matter, Inc.: Visit here to access website or call 414-344-1220.
Women and Children’s Horizons: Visit here to access website or call 262-656-3500.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kenosha pastor allegedly Airdrop’d himself nude photos of man’s wife
