RoMac’s former vice president of sales has revealed his financial status in the wake of a church bathroom camera scandal.
Charles “Bart” Lucas, 59, of Fruitland Park, filled out a financial form indicating he was hoping to be represented by the public defender’s office following his arrest Friday on multiple charges of video voyeurism.
Lucas, once a top leader at Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park, is accused of planting a camera in the ladies’ restroom at the church in an effort to gather footage of women and young girls changing clothes and using the toilet.
In a standard form called an “Application for Criminal Indigent Status,” Lucas checked the box that read, “I am seeking the appointment of the public defender.” He indicated weekly earnings of $1,600 and noted on the form that he has liabilities and debts totaling $1 million. Lucas owns a four-bedroom home at 4334 Emmas Road, which is valued at $612,000, according to Zillow. The Clerk of Courts has since notified Lucas that he is “not indigent” and must bear the cost of his own legal defense.
Since his arrest, the family-owned RoMac announced Lucas has been fired, and his former church made it clear he is no longer on its leadership team.
Lucas’ life, which appeared to have been built on the rock of faith, family, and business, began unraveling during a routine computer upgrade at RoMac, a booming building services company. Inappropriate images were found on his company-issued, password-protected laptop, and RoMac officials quickly turned the device over to law enforcement.
He remains free on $25,000 bond. Conditions of his release stipulate that he cannot use the internet or have contact with children other than his grandchildren. Furthermore, any contact with his grandchildren must be strictly supervised.
Church leaders cooperating with investigation
Heritage Community Church issued a statement Monday indicating that church leaders had a phone call with the lead detective in the case. Church leaders pledged their cooperation and have hired a company to conduct a full “sweep” of the building to search for any additional electronic devices. Counseling is being offered to those impacted by the scandal.