Creator of 'Thank You Jesus' Sign Faces Child Sex Abuse Charges as Ministry Cuts Ties
Lucas Hunt, a 25-year-old from Asheboro, North Carolina, previously regarded as a prominent figure in the Christian community for co-creating the widely recognized "Thank You Jesus" yard signs, is now facing serious legal scrutiny. According to jail records from the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Hunt has been charged with one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, marking a significant fall from his once-celebrated status.
The allegations against Hunt involve the reception of an explicit video of two underage girls, as stated in his arrest warrant. The arrest followed an online tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading officers from the Invictus Task Force to investigate the case and identify Hunt as a suspect.
Currently held in the Randolph County Detention Center on a $75,000 secure bond, Hunt appeared in Randolph County District Court, where he expressed understanding of the charges and intentions to hire legal representation, according to CBS 17. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 19.
Hunt rose to fame in 2016 for creating the iconic yellow yard signs bearing the words "Thank You Jesus" in a childlike handwriting. By 2017, he had sold over 100,000 signs, sparking a national movement known as the Thank You Jesus Ministry, which directed all proceeds from sales to local Christian organizations.
His journey began in 2014 when he started displaying signs that read "Jesus is the reason for the season" in his hometown of Asheboro. The following year, he worked as a camp counselor for a group of 12 children, sharing his faith by reading the Bible to them and guiding them throughout the week.
By Easter 2016, Hunt modified his signs to the simpler "Thank You Jesus," which quickly gained popularity, adorning front yards across the United States. The movement expanded to include various merchandise like car magnets, garden flags, and bracelets, with over 250,000 signs sold to date, starting at $10 each.
However, in light of the recent allegations, Hunt's name has been scrubbed from the ministry's website. Constance Frazier, the president of Thank You Jesus Mission and co-founder of the movement alongside Hunt when they were both 16, stated that the board is convening to deliberate on his association with the ministry's future.
Frazier emphasized that the essence of Thank You Jesus transcends any individual, highlighting that the movement is a collective expression of love for Jesus. While refraining from commenting on the criminal charges against Hunt, she acknowledged his past contributions, noting that he had positively impacted thousands through the distribution of Thank You Jesus signs.
