Hasty appeared somber while in federal court today, with little emotion crossing his face even when a federal prosecutor referred to him as a "wolf in lamb's clothing."
The prosecutor went on to say that Hasty's ability to prey on children then turn around and assume a religious role poses a danger to the community.
Wednesday, a judge ruled on whether Hasty should remain in the Allen County Jail or be supervised by his parents at their
While Hasty's lawyer argued that his client had no prior criminal history, the judge ordered Hasty back to jail.
For the past nine years, Hasty served as a campus life director for Youth for Christ. He worked with students at both
But, according to the probable cause affidavit, his interaction with them went well beyond ministry.
It says Hasty created several fake Facebook profiles. In two accounts he posed as 16-year-old girls. Court documents also say Hasty would message dozens of teen boys, that he'd flirt with them, then ask them sexually explicit questions like whether they wanted to go skinny dipping. He'd then ask the boys to send him nude photos and videos.
Hasty would ask similar questions of both genders using a third fake account. This time, he posed as a 19-year-old boy.
The FBI searched Hasty's email accounts. Inside they found several pictures of boys exposing themselves. They also found videos of boys masturbating.
"We've just been shocked, saddened by the news" Larry Lance executive director of
Lance says that background check was done on Hasty prior to him being hired. He also says they never received any previous complaints about Hasty.
Youth for Christ employees aren't the only shocked by the allegations. Former members of Hasty's youth group are also speaking out about the charges.
On Facebook one person writes:
"It's hard to believe. I looked up to him. He was a good person, I thought. It's not right at all and to think that I was really close to him."
Another writes:
"I'm just so stunned and shocked about Nate Hasty. He was my mentor for campus life for 3 years and was still a friend in high school. It really proves that you think you know someone but you really don't."
Meanwhile a member of the local community writes:
"The focus needs to remain 100 percent on the students and people of
Hasty is being charged with soliciting and possessing child porn. He has since been fired from Youth for Christ. He'll next appear in court on October 25.
