Topline: Alan Chambers faces felony charges after allegedly messaging an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy.
Published: May 23, 2026 6:00 am ET
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Alan Chambers (via Orange County Sheriff’s Department)
ORANGE COUNTY, FL — A Florida man who once led a conversion therapy ministry was arrested after authorities said he used digital applications to solicit an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy for sex.
Alan Chambers, 54, the former president of Exodus International, faces charges of soliciting a minor via computer, transmitting information harmful to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Court records show police arrested Chambers in Winter Park, Florida, following a months-long sting operation.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies booked Chambers into the Orange County jail, where he remains held. Court records do not indicate if Chambers has hired an attorney or entered a formal plea to the charges.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by WESH, Chambers used Snapchat, text messages, and the Telegram application to communicate with the undercover officer. The detective began interacting with Chambers while posing as a teenager.
The affidavit states Chambers sent a photograph displaying a man’s torso and genitals during the exchange. Investigators said Chambers also discussed meeting the person he believed was a teenager on multiple occasions.
As per Fox 35, police records show Chambers expressed concern during the messaging sessions about his identity being discovered. Detectives arrested Chambers without incident once the investigation concluded.
Chambers gained national attention in 2012 when he publicly disavowed conversion therapy, a practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation. He had served as the head of Exodus International, which was then the largest ministry network promoting the practice.
In 2013, Chambers closed the organization and issued a formal apology to the gay community, according to WESH. He stated at the time that he was sorry for years of undue suffering and judgment caused by the ministry and the church.
During his tenure with the ministry, Chambers wrote two books that advocated for conversion therapy methods. He authored a third book following his departure from the organization, which detailed his rejection of his previous work.
Local prosecutors have not yet announced a date for Chambers’ initial court appearance. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated the investigation into Chambers’ online activities remains open.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Ex‑‘Gay Cure’ Minister Arrested for Soliciting Minor Boy
Alan Chambers faces felony charges after allegedly messaging an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy.
By Kate Byrd
Published: May 23, 2026 6:00 am ET
Alan Chambers (via Orange County Sheriff’s Department)
ORANGE COUNTY, FL — A Florida man who once led a conversion therapy ministry was arrested after authorities said he used digital applications to solicit an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy for sex.
Alan Chambers, 54, the former president of Exodus International, faces charges of soliciting a minor via computer, transmitting information harmful to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Court records show police arrested Chambers in Winter Park, Florida, following a months-long sting operation.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies booked Chambers into the Orange County jail, where he remains held. Court records do not indicate if Chambers has hired an attorney or entered a formal plea to the charges.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by WESH, Chambers used Snapchat, text messages, and the Telegram application to communicate with the undercover officer. The detective began interacting with Chambers while posing as a teenager.
The affidavit states Chambers sent a photograph displaying a man’s torso and genitals during the exchange. Investigators said Chambers also discussed meeting the person he believed was a teenager on multiple occasions.
As per Fox 35, police records show Chambers expressed concern during the messaging sessions about his identity being discovered. Detectives arrested Chambers without incident once the investigation concluded.
Chambers gained national attention in 2012 when he publicly disavowed conversion therapy, a practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation. He had served as the head of Exodus International, which was then the largest ministry network promoting the practice.
In 2013, Chambers closed the organization and issued a formal apology to the gay community, according to WESH. He stated at the time that he was sorry for years of undue suffering and judgment caused by the ministry and the church.
During his tenure with the ministry, Chambers wrote two books that advocated for conversion therapy methods. He authored a third book following his departure from the organization, which detailed his rejection of his previous work.
Local prosecutors have not yet announced a date for Chambers’ initial court appearance. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated the investigation into Chambers’ online activities remains open.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Ex‑‘Gay Cure’ Minister Arrested for Soliciting Minor Boy
Alan Chambers faces felony charges after allegedly messaging an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy.
By Kate Byrd
Published: May 23, 2026 6:00 am ET
Alan Chambers (via Orange County Sheriff’s Department)
ORANGE COUNTY, FL — A Florida man who once led a conversion therapy ministry was arrested after authorities said he used digital applications to solicit an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy for sex.
Alan Chambers, 54, the former president of Exodus International, faces charges of soliciting a minor via computer, transmitting information harmful to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Court records show police arrested Chambers in Winter Park, Florida, following a months-long sting operation.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies booked Chambers into the Orange County jail, where he remains held. Court records do not indicate if Chambers has hired an attorney or entered a formal plea to the charges.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by WESH, Chambers used Snapchat, text messages, and the Telegram application to communicate with the undercover officer. The detective began interacting with Chambers while posing as a teenager.
The affidavit states Chambers sent a photograph displaying a man’s torso and genitals during the exchange. Investigators said Chambers also discussed meeting the person he believed was a teenager on multiple occasions.
As per Fox 35, police records show Chambers expressed concern during the messaging sessions about his identity being discovered. Detectives arrested Chambers without incident once the investigation concluded.
Chambers gained national attention in 2012 when he publicly disavowed conversion therapy, a practice that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation. He had served as the head of Exodus International, which was then the largest ministry network promoting the practice.
In 2013, Chambers closed the organization and issued a formal apology to the gay community, according to WESH. He stated at the time that he was sorry for years of undue suffering and judgment caused by the ministry and the church.
During his tenure with the ministry, Chambers wrote two books that advocated for conversion therapy methods. He authored a third book following his departure from the organization, which detailed his rejection of his previous work.
Local prosecutors have not yet announced a date for Chambers’ initial court appearance. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated the investigation into Chambers’ online activities remains open.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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