Former 'ex-gay' leader busted for trying to solicit 14-year-old boy: report

A Florida man who once ran a notorious "ex-gay" ministry has been arrested in a sting operation for soliciting someone he thought to be a 14-year-old boy.

According to WESH, "Alan Chambers, 54, faces charges of solicitation of a minor via computer, transmission of material harmful to minors, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, records show." The arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, part of a probe that began in February, "states he and the detective spoke via Snapchat and Telegram between then and May of this year, during which Chambers allegedly sent sexually-explicit messages while attempting to arrange a meetup."

Per the report, Chambers, who sent an explicit photo to the "boy" with his genitals visible, "spoke of 'forbidden love' and that he wanted the boy 'so much,' with the undercover detective stating the accused had asked him on April 10 if he could take an Uber and meet them near their office on Park Avenue."

"Chambers also repeatedly expressed concerns over getting in trouble and occasionally deleted the chats, according to the affidavit," said the report.

Chambers, a gay man, is best known for being the former head of Exodus International, a group that sought to "cure" homosexuality. He caused a massive rift in the "ex-gay movement" in 2012 when he admitted homosexuality couldn't be "cured," that he believed gay people can still go to heaven, and issued a lengthy apology to the LGBTQ community for the harm he had caused. Within a year, Exodus International closed up shop.

In response to the news, the Park Avenue District, where Chambers served as a volunteer, put out a statement saying, "Following formal action by the Board of Directors, Mr. Chambers has been suspended from the Board pending further review. Out of respect for the legal process, the organization will not provide additional comment at this time. Our focus remains on supporting the Park Avenue community, local businesses, and ongoing district initiatives."