TAVARES, Fla. — A former Fruitland Park church overseer arrested in June on video voyeurism charges is now facing 21 additional counts, including six involving minor victims, after being arrested during a court hearing Tuesday.
Charles “Bart” Lucas, 59, was arrested during a previously scheduled hearing Tuesday morning and booked into the Lake County Jail on $67,500 bond, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office records.
Lucas now faces a total of 26 counts of video voyeurism, including seven involving victims younger than 16. He previously pleaded not guilty to the original five charges.
According to Lake County Clerk of Court records, Tuesday’s hearing concerned a motion to modify Lucas’ pretrial release conditions. In a motion filed in June, defense attorney Jaimie Washo Spivey asked the court to allow Lucas internet access.
“The Defendant needs access to the internet for banking purposes and potential job opportunities, which would include access to his personal gmail account,” the motion states.
Lucas was taken into custody during the 11 a.m. hearing, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley confirmed to Inside Lake. Inside Lake is working to obtain additional information regarding the new charges.
The investigation began after suspicious material was discovered on a work computer used by Lucas and turned over to the Leesburg Police Department by his employer, RoMac Building Supply. As the investigation progressed, detectives determined some of the videos had been recorded using concealed cameras inside a church bathroom and a room where adolescent girls were changing after a baptism service.
Following Lucas’ initial arrest, RoMac Building Supply said employees discovered the material, immediately reported it to law enforcement and fully cooperated with investigators.
“We are aware of the charges against Bart Lucas. The conduct alleged is appalling and runs counter to everything RoMac stands for. The material was found by our own team and reported to law enforcement immediately, and we have cooperated fully from the start. Mr. Lucas is no longer employed by RoMac. Because this is an active legal matter, we are not able to share further details.”
Detectives also determined Lucas served as an overseer at Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park. According to the church’s website at the time, overseers provide “spiritual oversight, direction, and leadership” to the congregation.
Heritage Community Church also released a statement following Lucas’ initial arrest, saying Lucas is no longer serving as an overseer or in any leadership, volunteer or ministry role.
Church leaders said they hired a professional electronic detection company to conduct a comprehensive sweep of the church’s buildings and property to ensure no hidden recording devices remain. The church also said it is exploring professional counseling resources for those affected and pledged to continue providing updates as the investigation progresses.
“Our hearts are heavy as we continue to process this tragic situation,” church leadership said. “We are praying for healing, truth, and justice.”
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Source: Inside Lake
Published: 2026-08-04 18:23:00