As the morning sun broke over Juniata County’s rolling hills, word spread around the tight-knit community that the man who had led Sunday youth gatherings for nearly two years was now facing the most serious allegations. Daniel Reed, former youth director for Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries (CPYM), was removed from his position in December 2024 after an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving minors.
According to FOX43, state troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police were initially summoned to the CPYM site near Thompsontown on January 15, 2025, in response to tips about illegal photos kept on a church computer. Reed was charged with possessing child pornography after authorities conducted a search warrant and confiscated multiple hard drives containing illegal material. Investigators describe the discovery as “shocking,” given the parents’ trust in the ministry’s leadership.
On Friday, CPYM issued a brief statement through its director, Shirley Little, saying, “As a ministry, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the youngsters in our care. We invite you to join us in praying for everyone engaged in this difficult situation,” Little added, emphasizing the nonprofit’s complete cooperation with law officials. Until the legal proceedings are completed, the ministry has suspended all youth programs.
Locals report that the news has left them reeling. “I drove past the church this morning and thought, ‘How could someone I waved to every Sunday do such a thing?'” said Amy Smith, who lives a half-mile away from the CPYM offices. “It was shocking to realize someone in such a trusted position could do something like this,” she said, her voice wavering as she remembered the previous week’s enthusiastic crowd.
Reed’s friends recall him as soft-spoken and dedicated, attributes that authorities say veiled darker tendencies. Digital forensics tracked down hidden camera images of underage minors to Reed’s personal devices, according to court filings in the Juniata County Court of Common Pleas. No victims have come forward publicly, and officials are requesting anyone with information or concerns to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at the Lewistown barracks.
According to legal experts, Reed will face harsh penalties if convicted. Possession of child pornography in Pennsylvania carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in jail and up to twenty years of sex offender registration. Reed’s initial arraignment is slated for later this month, with a $50,000 bail.
As Juniata County deals with the disclosures, neighbors and churchgoers alike are looking for answers—and assurance that such a violation of trust will not occur again. In a statement to local reporters, Sheriff David Henninger promised, “We are committed to a thorough investigation, and we will ensure justice is served.” Questions of religion, safety, and accountability plague the small community until then.
