A DeKalb County minister faces statutory rape charges after allegedly having sexual relations with a minor.
According to the Carthage Courier, Richard Anthony Petty, 53, of Gordonsville was charged with statutory rape by an authority figure and sexual incest on Thursday.
In an affidavit of complaint filed by Smith County Sheriff’s Department’s Detective Sergeant Steve Babcock, Petty allegedly admitted to the relationship. According to the court documents, Petty told investigators he had contact with the minor “six to 12 times” with the latest incident occurring on Aug. 12.
Petty was a minister for the Dowelltown Baptist Church. Local sources said he resigned about a month before the alleged incident was revealed.
Petty was being held in lieu of $180,000 bond in the Smith County Jail, but latest reports have him being transferred to the Wilson County facility.
According to the Carthage Courier, sheriff’s department Detective Kit Jenkins assisted in the investigation.