NORTH CAROLINA
WWAY
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Investigators say a man who served as a youth pastor at a Wilmington church has been charged with indecent liberties with a child.
New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Jerry Brewer says investigators arrested Tyler Simkus Smither last night. Brewer says Smither worked as a youth pastor at Harbor United Methodist Church on Masonboro Loop Road. The church’s pastor confirmed to WWAY that Smither had worked with the church for two years until last night, when he was fired after the church learned of the charge against him.
Nanney also sent WWAY this statement:
“As a church and denomination, we hold all staff members to the highest form of moral behavior, a behavior that is free of any sexual misconduct. We believe that all human beings have sacred worth because they are created in God’s image, and our behavior must reflect this belief at all times and places. This charge against Tyler Smither means that there is a possible betrayal of sacred trust, a possible exploitation of power against a minor, and a possible violation against God’s creation.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.