A Jacksonville youth pastor has been arrested following allegations that he sexually abused a minor over a period of several years.
Joshua Trent, 42, was arrested in Duval County in April 2026 on two counts of sexual battery involving a minor. According to reports, Trent served as a youth pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church located at 7673 Collins Rd. in Jacksonville, Florida.
According to court records, Trent is charged with two felony counts of sexual battery involving a person between the ages of 12 and 18 while in a position of familial or custodial authority. Court records further show that Trent was released on bond in April 2026 under conditions including no contact with the alleged victim and no contact with minors other than his own children.
Allegations Against Joshua Trent
According to the arrest report, investigators allege the abuse occurred between approximately 2016 and 2022 and involved a girl connected to the church community. The investigation reportedly began after a tip was submitted to First Coast Crime Stoppers in January 2026.
Authorities allege that:
- Trent first connected with the alleged victim while serving as a youth pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church
- The victim and her family reportedly viewed Trent as a trusted mentor and father figure during a period when a parent was away serving in the military
- Trent allegedly encouraged the victim to give him “attack hugs,” which investigators said gradually normalized physical contact and inappropriate touching
- Investigators allege Trent used text messages, gifts, attention, and emotional manipulation to gain the victim’s trust
- The alleged abuse escalated over time into repeated sexual conduct
- Investigators allege the abuse occurred in multiple settings, including church property, Trent’s vehicle, and Trent’s office at Churchtrac, a church software company where he also worked
- The victim reportedly babysat Trent’s children, and investigators allege Trent abused her whenever he was able to isolate her
- Investigators allege Trent threatened self-harm with a handgun if the victim resisted or disclosed the abuse
- The victim reportedly told investigators that Trent had access to her social media accounts and passwords and monitored her communications
- According to reports, Trent later instructed the victim to destroy a password-protected thumb drive containing explicit materials if law enforcement contacted her
According to media reports, the alleged conduct included digital penetration, oral sex, and sexual intercourse.
Petition for Protection Against Sexual Violence
Court records further show that in January 2026, the alleged victim filed a Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence against Trent in Duval County.
According to the petition, the woman alleged that Trent groomed and sexually abused her over several years, beginning when she was approximately 15 years old.
The petition further alleges that:
- Trent allegedly continued contacting the victim years later after she attempted to cut off communication
- The victim reported feeling fearful that Trent was monitoring her social media and personal life
- The victim alleged that Trent made comments causing her to fear he knew where she lived and worked
- The victim reported concerns that Trent possessed a handgun and had previously threatened self-harm if she left the relationship
According to the filing, the petitioner told the court that she feared for her safety and no longer felt comfortable being alone in public because of concerns about Trent’s alleged conduct.
Criminal Charges and Court Proceedings
According to court records, prosecutors formally charged Trent with two counts of sexual battery under Florida law. According to reports, investigators also reviewed a prior 2021 CyberTipLine report involving an account allegedly associated with Trent. No criminal charges were filed in connection with that investigation.
Court records further show that a judge later granted Trent’s motion to set bond and imposed conditions, including no contact with the alleged victim and no contact with minors other than his own children.
Hillcrest Baptist Church released a statement regarding the allegations, stating:
“We are aware of the recent news regarding charges involving a former employee. The situation is deeply concerning and grieves our hearts… The individual is no longer associated with our church and has not been since 2018. We are fully cooperating with the authorities as they conduct their investigation, and we remain committed to integrity, safety, and accountability in our ministry.”
According to the arrest affidavit, multiple individuals reportedly expressed concern about the closeness of the relationship between Trent and the alleged victim but assumed his intentions were innocent because he was viewed as “a man of faith.”
Positions of Trust and Religious Authority
Youth pastors and church leaders occupy positions of significant trust within their communities. Parents often rely on religious leaders to mentor, guide, and protect children participating in church activities and youth programs.
When allegations involve a youth pastor or church leader, they raise serious concerns about:
- The safety of minors within religious organizations
- Whether warning signs were overlooked
- How churches supervise individuals working with children
- Whether appropriate safeguards were in place to protect vulnerable minors
The allegations against Joshua Trent describe an alleged abuse of trust involving a minor who reportedly viewed him as a trusted spiritual mentor and authority figure.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law represents survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members and other religious authority figures. We have handled cases involving abuse in churches, religious institutions, schools, and youth organizations. Children and teenagers have the right to worship and participate in religious communities that are safe and free from sexual misconduct.
If you need a lawyer because a member of a religious organization sexually abused you, contact us today at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse nationwide. We can help.