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Priest-in-training accused of possessing child porn

By Vivian Nguyen Jul 12, 2025 | 9:29 AM

DESOTO COUNTY, Miss. — A priest-in-training was accused of possessing and distributing child exploitation material on Friday, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff.

Johnathan Nguyen-Vuong, 24, from Louisiana, was arrested in Nesbit, Mississippi, on Thursday, Sheriff Thomas Tuggle said.

According to the sheriff, Nguyen-Vuong had been serving as a religious educator at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and was arrested at the church.

Johnathan Nguyen-Vuong Courtesy of DeSoto County Jail

Nguyen-Vuong was charged with possession of child porn, accessing child porn, and distributing child porn.

Tuggle said that deputies and Detective Internet Crimes Against Children conducted a search warrant through “Operation Exorcism” as an ongoing child exploitation investigation on Thursday at a residence in Nesbit.

During the search, numerous files were recovered containing explicit material involving minors from electronic devices, and one device was actively downloading child sexual abuse material.

“We take all crimes seriously, especially crimes committed against our children,” said Sheriff Thomas Tuggle. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of these predators.”

Nguyen-Vuong is one of the handful of educators arrested for charges involving children in DeSoto County since February. Two others were arrested for child pornography charges.

WREG was told at the news release that the media were not allowed to ask questions. It is unclear if there will be any more charges and if any local child was affected.

Another teacher, Natalia Wright, was rearrested on Friday in Texas after reportedly violating a no-contact order with a victim.

She was accused in May of touching and communicating with an underage student.

Nguyen-Vuong is being held at the DeSoto County Jail without bond. This is an ongoing investigation.

WREG reached out to the church Nguyen-Vuong worked at, but has not heard back.