An Albuquerque minister is facing federal child pornography charges.
Authorities say 34-year-old Derek Schwartzrock was arrested Wednesday by New Mexico State Police and federal Homeland Security agents.
A criminal complaint alleges that Schwartzrock had accessed at website containing sexually explicit images of children. A search of his computer and other electronic devices turned up more than 12,000 images that investigators said were consistent with child pornography.
Schwartzrock's first court appearance is set for Friday. It's not immediately clear if he has a lawyer.
The head pastor at Evangel Christian Center in Albuquerque says Schwartzrock has been terminated and the church is saddened by the situation.
Pastor Brenton Franks says three background checks had been done during Schwartzrock's employment with the center over the last four years and there were never any red flags.