Former Deacon Faces Added Charges
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Hixson church deacon accused of secretly recording a minor returned to court Tuesday as prosecutors outlined additional charges and argued for stricter bond conditions.
Christopher Collins faces seven counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and 15 counts of aggravated unlawful photography. Prosecutors said a grand jury found evidence supporting each count.
During testimony, investigators described how the case began after Collins’ wife initially contacted authorities.
Investigators testified they later stopped Collins, seized his cellphone and interviewed him before obtaining search warrants for additional electronic devices, including cameras, an SD card and a laptop.
According to testimony, videos recovered during the investigation allegedly depicted a minor in a state of nudity and included footage investigators say showed Collins setting up motion-activated cameras inside a bathroom.
Investigators also testified they could not confirm whether timestamps on the cameras were accurate.
Prosecutors argued the seriousness and sensitive nature of the allegations warranted reinstating Collins’ previous $450,000 bond.
Prosecutor Lee Sparks argued the court should consider the nature of each charge, noting each count related to a specific piece of evidence.
Defense attorney Scott Davis argued Collins has no prior criminal history, is a lifelong Hamilton County resident and complied with GPS monitoring while previously out on bond.
They also pointed to his ties to the community and previous work in the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office.
The judge ultimately set bond at $15,000 per count, totaling $225,000. Collins will remain under GPS monitoring and is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or returning to certain locations, including the victim’s residence and Abba’s House.
Collins’ next court appearance is scheduled for July 10 as the case proceeds in Criminal Court.
