Phoenix youth group leader arrested for alleged child sex crimes

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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Federal investigators say a Phoenix man who worked as a youth group leader has been arrested for alleged sex crimes, and they are asking for the public’s help in finding potential victims.

Casey Goslin, 46, was arrested on Oct. 16 following a joint investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and Tucson police officers. Goslin faces federal charges for allegedly trying to produce child pornography and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Casey Goslin, 46, is accused of child sex trafficking and producing child sexual abuse material.(U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Investigators say Goslin, who worked as a youth group leader and in several religious organizations, was found to be involved with a platform used to livestream child sexual abuse sessions with material produced by child sex traffickers in the Philippines. A federal search warrant was served, where agents seized a number of electronic devices.

Goslin was reportedly using “live:.cid.bbdbec6f18b26922” and “live:.cid.de5ca094f7bdd45” as his online usernames.

“Sadly, when I heard about this story, my very first reaction was, oh no, not another youth pastor. I have actually literally lost count of how many times it’s been a youth pastor,” said Jessica Nicely, CEO and founder of Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation.

Investigators are seeking additional information that could help any potential victims Goslin may have known through his work as a youth leader.

Federal agents are asking that any parents whose children had contact with Goslin call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or local law enforcement. Tips can also be provided through an online form here.

Goslin worked as a youth ministry leader at the Grand Canyon Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the church confirmed through a statement on Tuesday afternoon. The church confirmed that Goslin has been suspended from all roles in the Synod, as they review internal processes. The full statement is below:

We are deeply concerned by the news that Casey Goslin, a former youth-ministry leader associated with our Synod, has been arrested on serious federal charges involving child sex trafficking and the production of child-sexual-abuse material. While we affirm and uphold the civic principle that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and presumed innocent until proven guilty, we also affirm—without qualification—that the Grand Canyon Synod does not and cannot tolerate abuse, especially against children.
First and foremost, our hearts go out to any potential victims of these alleged crimes, and to their families. We commit ourselves to supporting anyone in our community who may have been harmed – and we encourage anyone with information or concerns to promptly contact the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
In light of these allegations:
1. We have suspended Mr. Goslin from all his roles in the Synod, including his roles with the Synod’s youth ministry and Synod Advisory Team.
2. We are cooperating fully with law-enforcement authorities and are reviewing our internal processes—background checks, volunteer supervision, and safeguarding best practices—to ensure they remain strong and effective.
3. We are committed to providing pastoral care and counseling resources for any youth or families who may have been affected, offering safe spaces for conversation and healing.
We understand that trust is vital in ministry with youth and we deeply regret any harm or worry this situation may cause our congregations and their members. We ask for the prayers of our community for all involved in this matter.
In Christ’s service,
Bishop Deborah Hutterer
Grand Canyon Synod

In a search on social media, you could see that Goslin was involved with numerous church organizations across the Valley. Many of them tagged him in group photos.

But throughout the day, Tuesday, those posts started to disappear. One church in Chandler told Arizona’s Family, “All information goes through the Grand Canyon Synod office. We have no comment.”

Advocates for children said cases like this one are devastating, but community awareness makes all the difference. “Ninety-percent of the time, it’s some guy that’s really well known and trusted to the family. And churches especially are just a haven for child sexual predators,” Nicely explained.

Three months ago, Mesa police arrested a religious leader on felony charges, including child molestation and sexual abuse. Stanley Jay, 61, remains behind bars awaiting trial, which is set for December.

Arizona’s Family is working to determine if this was some sort of sting or if investigators stumbled onto his digital footprint.

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