A Ventura County minister has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of committing online sex crimes targeting a child, according to prosecutors.
The Ventura County Prosecutor’s Office
Barry Don Fike, 68, pleaded guilty Thursday to two felonies: sending harmful material to a child and arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes, according to a statement from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
He was arrested on July 17, 2023 by members of the Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Force after an investigation was initiated when Fike communicated online with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl.
“The conversations were sexual in nature and Fike shared explicit photos of himself with the victim, who was actually an undercover officer,” the district attorney’s office said. Prosecutors noted that the chat room Fike used to communicate had no security features to verify the person’s age or monitor communications.
Fike was a pastor at Fillmore Church of Christ and previously taught at Pepperdine University and Oaks Christian High School, prosecutors said.
“This case is a powerful reminder for parents to remain vigilant in protecting their children online,” said Deputy District Attorney Ben Moreno, who prosecuted the case. “The defendant was a minister and teacher, which shows that no one is above suspicion and trust should not be given lightly when it comes to our children.”
Fike’s sentencing is scheduled for July 15.
