IMAGE VIA ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Alan Chambers (LinkedIn), the former president of Orlando-based Exodus International who promoted conversion therapy and the “pray the gay away” movement, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly attempting to meet a teenage boy for sex.
Chambers, 54, faces charges of solicitation of a minor, transmission of harmful material to minors, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device after an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation, which began in February, found Chambers had been communicating on Snapchat with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy but was actually an undercover detective, according to the arrest report. Chambers sent messages saying he wanted to meet up with, kiss, and have sex with the boy.
“Is it bad that I want to make love to someone who is 14?” Chambers allegedly asked in one message.
The two later moved their correspondence to messaging app Telegram, where Chambers sent sexually explicit messages and shared photos of both his face and nude body, according to the Sheriff’s Office. On April 10, Chambers allegedly asked if the boy could take an Uber to meet near his office on Park Avenue in Winter Park.
Chambers periodically expressed concern and occasionally deleted the chats between the two.
When questioned, Chambers admitted to having the same account username as the one detectives found used to try meeting with a teen boy for sex, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A judge set Chambers’ bond at $15,000 on Wednesday. He is prohibited from having any contact with individuals under 18 and was ordered to stay off social media, with online access for work only.
Chambers is an executive with John Craig Clothier in Winter Park and was co-president of the board of the Park Avenue District.
The Park Avenue District released a statement saying Chambers is no longer associated with the organization.
“The Park Avenue District and its leadership are committed to maintaining the trust of our community, businesses, residents, and visitors,” the statement reads. “While this matter is unrelated to the organization or its work, we take situations involving allegations of this nature extremely seriously. At this time, Mr. Chambers is no longer associated with the organization. Out of respect for the legal process, we will not comment further on the specifics of the case.”
The Park Avenue District did not respond to questions about Chambers’ involvement with Exodus International and his history in the anti-gay church movement, and if they’d been aware of his past employment prior to his being named as president.
Chambers was the former president of Exodus International, a Christian organization that pushed the “ex-gay” movement and promoted conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people. The organization was based in Orlando. He authored three books detailing his experience fighting being gay: “My Exodus,” “God’s Grace and the Homosexual Next Door,” and “Leaving Homosexuality.”
In 2013, Chambers issued a lengthy apology through the Exodus International website, repenting for his involvement in the hurtful treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. Exodus International shut down that same year.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it is currently unknown whether there are additional victims who are minors. Anyone with information about additional victims should call the agency’s non-emergency line at 407-836-4357.
