Updated: Federal Court Records Detail Charges and Allegations in Case Against Rev. Michael W. Mohr

ST. LOUIS — Newly unsealed federal court records set forth formal charges and supporting allegations against Rev. Michael William Mohr, president of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, following his arrest and detention on a child exploitation offense.

Mohr, 54, of Springfield, Illinois, is charged with one count of production of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251. The complaint was filed on January 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Mohr was arrested on January 28, 2026, and appeared in federal court in St. Louis today (January 29, 2026). He waived his right to a detention hearing and remains in custody pending trial.

LCMS District President Arrested on Federal Charges

Charges and Allegations

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, federal agents executed court-authorized search warrants at Mohr’s residence in Springfield, Illinois, and at a residence he used in Vandalia.

The affidavit alleges that storage devices recovered from the Springfield residence contained video recordings of three juveniles in a bathroom.

At the Vandalia residence, investigators allegedly located concealed recording devices, including a camera disguised as a wall clock and another disguised as a Bluetooth speaker.

The affidavit further states that the investigation began after one of the juveniles reported to the Vandalia Police Department that he had discovered a concealed camera disguised as an electronic device charger in a hotel bathroom. The juvenile reported finding the device the morning after Mohr allegedly stood over him and masturbated.

The government alleges that the recordings were made without the juveniles' knowledge or consent.

These allegations are set forth in the criminal complaint and supporting affidavit and have not yet been tested in court.

Procedural Posture

The case is captioned United States v. Michael William Mohr, No. 4:26-MJ-3008-NCC, and is assigned to U.S. Magistrate Judge Noelle C. Collins.

The United States previously moved for Mohr’s pretrial detention, asserting that he posed a serious risk of flight and a danger to the community. Mohr subsequently waived a detention hearing and remains detained pending further proceedings.

St. Louis attorney John C. Schleiffarth has entered his appearance on Mohr’s behalf.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Anderson.

Investigation

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office and the St. Louis County Police Department, with assistance from FBI Springfield, Illinois, and the Vandalia Police Department.

The Department of Justice has requested that individuals with relevant information contact the FBI through tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).

The prosecution has been brought under the auspices of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative coordinating federal, state, and local efforts to combat child sexual exploitation.

Institutional Context

Mohr serves as president of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, with ecclesiastical and administrative oversight responsibilities for congregations and schools throughout central Illinois. He is also a Regent at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as the representative of the Council of Presidents.

As of the publication date, neither the Synod, District, nor Seminary has publicly announced any disciplinary or administrative action.

Legal Standard

A criminal complaint constitutes a formal accusation. It does not establish guilt. Mohr is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Pending Matters

Additional details concerning the scope of the investigation, the evidentiary record, and any potential indictment are expected to emerge through subsequent filings, hearings, and discovery.

This matter remains under active judicial supervision.

This report will be updated as further court records become available.