Michael Deckinga, of Dyer, faces a potential decades-long federal prison sentence after admitting to distributing child pornography over an extended period, according to federal court filings.
Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of 228 months (19 years) in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, along with $47,000 in restitution, a $5,000 federal assessment, and forfeiture of a cellphone used in the offense.
According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Deckinga admitted to accessing child pornography for approximately five years and distributing the material between November 22, 2024, and May 14, 2025.
Deckinga was the vice president of advancement at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana. According to a statement provided to The Roys Report by the seminary’s vice president of operations Dan Fletcher said, “Mid-America Reformed Seminary can confirm that on the morning of August 13, 2025, agents of the Department of Homeland Security executed search warrants on the seminary premise, in conjunction with their investigation and the arrest of one of the seminary administrative employees.
The investigation began in June 2025 after multiple CyberTip reports were received by authorities. Investigators traced the activity to numerous messaging accounts linked to Deckinga, which were used to distribute videos and images, often in exchange for additional illicit material.
Court records state the activity occurred from multiple locations, including his residence, workplace, and while traveling, including trips outside the United States.
The material involved prepubescent minors, including very young children, and included content described as violent or sadistic. Investigators determined the volume exceeded 600 images under federal sentencing guidelines.
Authorities also allege Deckinga communicated with individuals he believed to be minors and others with access to minors, during which he solicited explicit images and encouraged the production of additional child sexual abuse material.
A federal search warrant was executed on August 13, 2025. During an interview with investigators, Deckinga admitted to distributing child pornography using a messaging application and acknowledged long-term use of the platform.
The presentence investigation report calculated a total offense level of 37, including enhancements related to the age of victims, the nature of the material, the use of a computer, and the number of images involved.
Prosecutors argue the recommended sentence is warranted due to the repeated nature of the conduct, the severity of the material, and the need to protect the public and deter similar offenses.
Court filings also indicate multiple victim impact statements have been submitted and restitution requests currently total $47,000.
The case remains pending sentencing in federal court.
