Former Mesquite teacher, coach arrested, accused of child grooming at Christian center

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Matthan Lough, 32 (Source: Mesquite Police Department)

MESQUITE, Texas - A 32-year-old Crandall man who previously worked as a teacher and coach in Mesquite schools was arrested last week on a child grooming charge, the Mesquite Police Department announced Thursday.

Matthan Lough was taken into custody by Mesquite Police Department investigators after an arrest warrant was obtained for the offense of child grooming. He is no longer booked in the jail.

Accused of child grooming at Christian center

The backstory:

The investigation began Oct. 2, 2025, when police received a report of a possible child grooming case at the Christian Center of Mesquite, located in the 4400 Block of E. Cartwright Rd. Police did not immediately release details about the alleged offense.

During the subsequent investigation, authorities discovered Lough's previous access to children through his employment history in the Mesquite area. Lough had been employed as a teacher and coach at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy in Mesquite, Texas. Additionally, he served as a club volleyball coach for a team based out of Mesquite.

Lough is also the son of now former Christian Center of Mesquite Senior Pastor Kevin Lough, according to officials at the center.

Former Pastor Lough has since resigned from his position, and his resignation was effective Nov. 23, 2025.

What you can do:

The Mesquite Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding any other offenses involving Lough to contact them at 972-216-6701.

Christian Center of Mesquite statement

What they're saying:

The Christian Center of Mesquite Board issued a statement about Lough's arrest:

The Church Board of the Christian Center of Mesquite (CCM) issues this statement in response to the public release from the Mesquite Police Department regarding the arrest of Matthan Lough on child grooming charges.

The Church Board is unified in its strongest possible condemnation of the criminal actions that led to this arrest. We note that Mathan Lough was not an employee of CCM. Our immediate priority is to support and seek justice for the victim and her family. We extend our deepest prayers for their healing and protection during this profoundly painful time.

Board Actions and Commitments

1. Acknowledgment of Arrest: We formally acknowledge the arrest of Matthan Lough, the adult son of former Senior Pastor Kevin Lough. We affirm our commitment to full cooperation with the Mesquite Police Department and the judicial system throughout this investigation.
2. Pastoral Transition: We confirm that former Senior Pastor Kevin Lough has since resigned, effective November 23rd, 2025. The Church Board and members are fully engaged in an ongoing transition, ensuring operational stability and integrity.
3. Church Safety and Accountability: The Mesquite Police statement indicated the case originated from a report concerning possible grooming activities at the Christian Center of Mesquite. The Board views this with the utmost seriousness. We have initiated an immediate internal review of all child protection policies, volunteer screening processes, and facility access logs to ensure the absolute safety of every child and youth within our care.
4. Zero Tolerance: CCM maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of child abuse, predatory behavior, or sexual misconduct. We are committed to taking every action necessary to protect our children and uphold the ethical standards of our faith.

Christian Center of Mesquite will continue its ministry under the direct oversight of the Church Board until a new Senior Pastor is installed. Our focus remains on the spiritual health, safety, and unity of our congregation.

We ask the community to join us in prayer for all those affected by this tragedy. Further public statements will be issued as appropriate and necessary.

Since this is an ongoing criminal investigation, any further questions should be directed to the Mesquite Police Department.

This is a developing story.