ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A former president of downtown Winter Park’s business group was arrested Tuesday as part of a child sex sting.
Investigators say 54-year-old Alan Chambers thought he was communicating with a 14-year-old boy using Snapchat and Telegram for months, but it was actually an undercover investigator for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, a judge set bond for Chambers at $15,000 which Chambers posted.
News 6 was there as Chambers was released from jail, but he did not comment.
According to the arrest affidavit, deputies said Chambers confirmed during a traffic stop near Aloma Avenue that the accounts belonged to him and that he was communicating with a 14-year-old, but wouldn’t go into details.
Chambers is an executive for a clothing company on Park Avenue in Winter Park, and a former president of the Park Avenue District, which is Winter Park’s business association.
Chambers was also a former president of Exodus International, an Orlando-based organization that promoted conversion therapy for same-sex attraction.
In 2013, Chambers formally renounced conversion therapy and closed Exodus International, saying the move was made “after a year of dialogue and prayer about the organization’s place in a changing culture.”
The charges against Chambers include solicitation of a minor via computer, obscene material distribution of info harmful to minors, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
The Park Avenue District released the following statement following Chambers’ arrest:
"The Park Avenue District and its leadership are committed to maintaining the trust of our community, businesses, residents, and visitors. 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.
Our focus remains on continuing to support the Park Avenue community and the many businesses, events, and initiatives that make this district such a special part of Winter Park."
Park Avenue District