‘These acts were evil.’ Former Palmetto pastor sentenced after abusing toddler
A Manatee County jury convicted a former Palmetto pastor Tuesday of sexually abusing a 2-year-old and recording the abuse on his cellphone.
Jonathan Edward Elwing, 45, will spend the rest of his life in prison after jurors found him guilty of 12 charges, including capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation and crimes tied to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Circuit Judge D. Ryan Felix sentenced Elwing immediately after the verdict, which came following about an hour of jury deliberations at the Manatee County courthouse in downtown Bradenton.
“This was a short trial. It’s a trial that’s short because the evidence was overwhelming. It was strong,” Felix said, sentencing Elwing to life in prison on all 12 counts. “I don’t have a lot to say preceding my sentence other than these acts were evil…the appropriate sentences will be life in prison. You don’t belong anywhere in a civilized society.”
Elwing served as the senior pastor at Palm View Baptist Church before his arrest. Elwing resigned his position as pastor of the church shortly before his arrest.
The conviction and sentencing came following a one-day trial at the Manatee County Judicial Center.
This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 10:31 AM.
