Meet MAGAt Monte LaVelle Chitty, the former pastor of the First Baptist Church of Marathon, Florida, who was charged with sexual battery of a minor, lewd and lascivious behavior, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Behind his public persona of faith and authority lay a predatory reality that shattered the lives of those who trusted him.
The criminal case stems from allegations involving an incident on January 16, 2024. According to law enforcement reports, Chitty was accused of inviting a 15-year-old female church member to his residence, providing her with alcohol, and committing a sexual assault while she was incapacitated.
Following an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, detectives secured warrants for his arrest. On March 4, 2024, Chitty was arrested and booked on the multiple felony counts related to the assault.
After his initial arrest, Chitty was released on a $75,000 bond. Authorities state that he subsequently removed his GPS ankle monitor and fled the jurisdiction, leading to a federal manhunt. His flight ended on April 5, 2024, when U.S. Marshals and Texas State Troopers apprehended him in Woodville, Texas.
The case officially concluded on July 30, 2026, when Chitty pleaded no contest to the charges of sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was sentenced to six years in a Florida state prison, followed by 10 years of sex offender probation, and a lifetime designation as a registered sex offender.