Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Vermont has fired its state director after he was charged with distributing child sexual abuse material.
Andrew Buzzell, a 34-year-old resident of West Rutland and an elder at Green Mountain Baptist Church, was charged this month with distributing child sexual abuse material.
In a statement posted to its website, the CEF Board of Vermont announced that Buzzell was “immediately terminated as the state director” over the revelations of his alleged conduct.
“This situation grieves the Board of Directors but this action had to be taken to ensure the integrity of our mission to reach children within our state with the gospel of Christ,” they stated.
“The FBI agent at the time of disclosure of the charges said that the activities were conducted during Andrews Buzzell’s personal time and on his own devices and there was no use of CEF devices.”
CEF is an interdenominational organization that has shared the Gospel with children around the world for over 89 years. One of its most well-known programs is the Good News Club, which has local chapters and offers programs for children nationwide at schools and community centers.
The Vermont chapter of CEF also shared a statement from the national organization, Child Evangelism Fellowship USA (CEF USA), noting that leadership was aware of the legal situation regarding Buzzell.
“CEF is committed to upholding the highest standards of morality and personal conduct that have guided the ministry since its founding in 1937,” stated CEF USA.
“CEF maintains a strict Child Protection Policy designed to protect children, and guide workers’ conduct. Due to any future legal proceedings, no further information can be provided at this time.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont filed charges against Buzzell earlier this month, stemming from alleged actions that occurred in 2024.
In or around November 2024, authorities say Buzzell distributed child sexual abuse material via a free instant messaging app, under the account handle “kinkyvt1231.”
Buzzell is accused of sharing four files with other users through private chat messages, including one video file categorized as apparent child sexual abuse material. Investigators found that the IP address and email address linked to the account were both associated with Buzzell.
In June, an FBI Online Covert Employee posted a message on the app offering “Taboo Young” content. Buzzell allegedly responded by soliciting photos of the purported nine-year-old girl and describing details of a desired sexual encounter.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered Buzzell released to 24-hour-a-day home incarceration last Monday. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Green Mountain Baptist Church also issued a statement saying its members had unanimously voted to remove Buzzell from all leadership roles and from church membership.
“Green Mountain Baptist Church takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” the church stated. “We are deeply grieved by these allegations and are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.”
“We strongly encourage anyone who may have been affected or who has relevant information to contact the FBI Field Office in Albany directly at (518) 465-7551.”
