Lucas Timothy Hunt, the 25-year-old founder of the widely recognized "Thank You Jesus" sign movement, has been arrested on charges of child sexual exploitation. The Randolph County Sheriff's Office announced his arrest on February 25, following information received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Officers from the Invictus Task Force, which investigates internet crimes against children, began their probe last month and later identified Hunt as a suspect. According to jail records, he has been charged with one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after allegedly receiving an explicit video featuring two underage girls engaged in sexual acts.
Hunt was transported to the Randolph County jail and released shortly thereafter on a $75,000 bond. During his first court appearance on February 26, he reportedly told the judge he understood the nature of the charges against him and planned to hire legal counsel. His next court date is scheduled for March 19, as the investigation continues.
Originally gaining fame as a teenager for his cheerful yellow yard signs emblazoned with the words "Thank You Jesus," Hunt created his company alongside co-founder Connie Frazier when they were both just 16 years old. The duo officially launched the Thank You Jesus Mission to donate proceeds from sign sales to local Christian organizations, with Hunt initially putting up signs reading "Jesus is the reason for the season" around his hometown of Asheboro as early as 2014.
By 2016, after shortening the message to "Thank You Jesus," Hunt began selling the signs extensively, eventually leading to what has become a national phenomenon. Reports indicate over 250,000 signs have been sold, along with various associated merchandise such as garden flags and bracelets, all starting at just $10 each.
President of the Thank You Jesus Mission, Connie Frazier, acknowledged the impact of the movement, stating, "Thank You Jesus has always been about more than one person; it’s about people who love Jesus and want to show their appreciation." Although she refrained from commenting directly on the criminal case, she expressed how Hunt had previously blessed thousands through the initiative.
Following news of Hunt's arrest, changes have already been made to the organization's public presence, as his name has been removed from the Thank You Jesus Mission's website. Frazier confirmed the board is meeting shortly to discuss Hunt's future involvement with the mission and how to address the impact of this incident on the organization.
The wide reach of the Thank You Jesus signs has made them nearly ubiquitous on front lawns across the Carolinas and beyond, reflecting their successful marketing and the community's embrace of the message. Despite the joyful intent behind the signs, the disturbing nature of Hunt's allegations has cast a shadow over the initiative.
Investigators from the Invictus Task Force, which collaborates with local and federal lawmakers on such sensitive cases, have underscored the importance of tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which can lead to lifesaving interventions.
Community reactions remain mixed as the investigation proceeds. Locals reflecting on Hunt's earlier contributions to the community through faith and mentorship are coming to terms with the stark contradiction presented by the serious nature of this latest news. One local commented, "It’s upsetting; we never thought he would be involved in anything like this. The signs brought so much hope to the community."
Members of the community, alongside supporters of the Thank You Jesus Mission, await the outcomes of the upcoming court proceedings, hoping for resolution and clarity around Hunt's situation and the future of the movement.