As first reported by AL.com, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office arrested Taylor Michael Ward on Friday, October 3, 2025. He has been charged with ten counts of possessing child pornorgraphy and ten counts related to the dissemination or display of child pornography. At the time of his arrest, Ward was serving as the IT director at Briarwood Christian School. 

Scott Redd, the senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, issued the following statement:  

“We have just been made aware that an employee of Briarwood Christian School was arrested this morning in his home for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials. Briarwood strives to provide a safe and secure environment for all of our children, families and staff, and we are shocked and deeply saddened by this news. We are fully cooperating with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation.”

ByFaith was able to confirm that Ward was not in a role that entailed contact with children. He was not a member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, and he is no longer an employee of the school.

The school is a ministry under the oversight of the church. As stated on the school’s website, “The Briarwood Christian School Board (Board) is subject to the authority and direction of the Session of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, having such powers as are delegated by the Session to the Board. The property and business of the School shall be managed by its Board.”

Ward is being held on a bond of $900,000.