N.C. Man Who Created Viral ‘Thank You Jesus’ Yard Sign Accused of Child Sex Crime

A North Carolina man who helped create the viral “Thank you Jesus” yard signs was arrested on accusations of a child sex crime.

Lucas Timothy Hunt, 25, of Asheboro, N.C., was taken into custody and charged with one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor on Feb. 25, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

According to WSCO-TV , WFMY and Fox 8, police alleged Hunt received a sexually explicit video of a minor. Further details were not immediately known.

The investigation began in January 2025 when members of the Invictus Task Force responded to a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, per the statement. Hunt was subsequently identified as a suspect.

The task force, which works with Homeland Security and the State Bureau of Investigation, “fights against internet crimes against children (ICAC), sexual abuse, trafficking and the exploitation of children using a collaboration of resources as a force multiplier,” the statement says.

According to the outlets, Hunt was a founder of the Thank You Jesus mission, a non-profit organization that raises money for local Christian groups. Its website says Hunt became popular in 2016 after he put up “Thank You Jesus” yard signs around his hometown of Asheboro.

The organization’s president, Constance “Connie” Frazier, told Fox 8 the board is expected to meet soon to discuss Hunt’s future with the mission.

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“Thank You Jesus has always been about more than one person, it’s about people who love Jesus and want to show their appreciation,” Frazier told the outlet. “Although we cannot comment on the criminal charges against Lucas Hunt, we can share that he blessed thousands of people through the Thank You Jesus Signs.” 

PEOPLE has contacted the organization for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.

Hunt is being held in the Randolph County Detention Center on a $75,000 secure bond and had his first court appearance on Feb. 26, according to the sheriff’s office. It’s unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.