Church Elder Under House Arrest After Planning Sex With 9-Year-Old and Sexually Exploiting Child He Babysat

A Vermont church elder and former state director of Child Evangelism Fellowship is under 24‑hour home incarceration after federal prosecutors accused him of distributing child sexual abuse material and discussing a sexual encounter involving a purported 9‑year‑old girl.

Andrew Buzzell, 34, of West Rutland, Vermont, has been charged with distribution of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Buzzell appeared in federal court on 10 August and was released under restrictive conditions, including 24‑hour home incarceration.

The allegations in the criminal complaint are not findings of guilt. Buzzell is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charge in court.

FBI Investigation

The investigation began after an online messaging platform sent a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to federal prosecutors, an account identified as 'kinkyvt1231' shared four files with other users in private chats in November 2024. Investigators classified one MP4 video as apparent child sexual abuse material.

The FBI linked the account's IP address and associated email address to Buzzell, prosecutors said. The investigation later moved to an undercover operation.

In June 2026, an FBI online covert employee used a separate application to pose as someone offering sexual access to a young person. Prosecutors allege Buzzell responded by asking for photographs of a purported 9‑year‑old girl.

He then discussed the prospect of meeting the girl for sex and the details of a proposed sexual encounter, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont. The government has not alleged that Buzzell actually met or had sex with a child in that exchange. The purported 9‑year‑old was part of the undercover operation.

Allegation Involving Child He Babysat

The complaint also contains a separate allegation involving a child Buzzell had previously babysat through his church.

Vermont Public reported that prosecutors allege Buzzell admitted discussing his desire to sexually exploit that second child with the undercover employee.

The allegation has drawn scrutiny because Buzzell had served as an elder at Green Mountain Baptist Church and had spent time with children connected to the congregation.

Pastor Stephen Burch told Vermont Public that Buzzell had been part of the church for about 12 years. He said the allegations had prompted the congregation to consider whether children connected to Buzzell's activities could have been affected.

There has been no public finding that a child involved with the church or Child Evangelism Fellowship was abused by Buzzell.

Church and Ministry Cut Ties

Buzzell's arrest ended his roles with both organisations. Green Mountain Baptist Church removed him as an elder and terminated his membership, according to Vermont Public.

Child Evangelism Fellowship also terminated Buzzell as its Vermont state director. Buzzell had been the chapter's sole paid employee. Public records show he received $43,500 in compensation in 2025.

The Vermont chapter said Buzzell was 'immediately terminated as the state director' and that the allegations were inconsistent with its mission and standards. The organisation said it has zero tolerance for misconduct and is cooperating with law enforcement.

Buzzell's references were subsequently removed from the Vermont chapter's website, while its Facebook page was taken down, Vermont Public reported.

Federal Case and Next Court Date

The federal charge currently before the court concerns the alleged distribution of child sexual abuse material. The separate allegations involving the purported 9‑year‑old and the child Buzzell had babysat have not been announced as separate federal charges.

Buzzell's next court proceeding is scheduled for 31 August. He is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Barclay Johnson. The case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative targeting the online exploitation of children.

The federal distribution charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if Buzzell is convicted. The criminal complaint remains an allegation. Prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.