Christopher Thomas Collins, Tennessee Deacon, Charged With Sex Crimes After Wife Discovers Hidden Videos of Teen Babysitter

Christopher Thomas Collins, a 42-year-old deacon at Abba’s House church in Hixson, Tennessee, has been charged with nine counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after his wife discovered disturbing videos on his cellphone, according to police.

Court records indicate that Collins’ wife made the discovery after he asked her to hold his phone while he underwent a medical procedure at a dentist’s office. While using the device, she reportedly found a hidden folder containing explicit videos of their former teenage babysitter, recorded inside the family’s bathroom.

Police say the videos appeared to have been captured using small hidden cameras positioned across from the shower and toilet. In at least one video, investigators noted that the teen appeared to notice the camera while undressing.

After finding the videos, Collins’ wife went to their church, Abba’s House, for guidance, and a counselor there encouraged her to call the police.

According to investigators, when confronted, Collins initially claimed the cameras had been installed to monitor for rats. Unsatisfied and alarmed by the discovery, his wife sought guidance from leadership at Abba’s House, where a church counselor encouraged her to contact law enforcement.

Local reports state that the church helped place Collins’ wife and children in a hotel for safety while police searched for him. Collins was later arrested during a traffic stop, according to Local 3 News.

During the investigation, police seized Collins’ cellphone, two SD cards from small cameras, and an older phone. Authorities say they recovered nine video files dated 2025 showing the minor entering and exiting the shower, using the toilet, and changing clothes.

Investigators allege that Collins knew the victim and admitted during an interview that he recorded the videos.

Following his arrest, Abba’s House removed Collins from his role as a deacon.

“Through the course of a marriage counseling session, Chris Collins’ wife revealed that she had found videos on her husband’s phone of a minor,” the church said in a statement. “We immediately reported it to the police. Chris Collins has been removed from his role, and we are caring for his wife and children during this tragic time.”

Collins remains facing multiple felony charges as the investigation continues.