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Marion County youth pastor accused of sending sexually explicit texts to a minor

BELLEVIEW, Fla. — A Belleview youth pastor was arrested after Marion County deputies say he sent sexually explicit text messages to a teenage girl, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Christopher Patrick, 30, is facing a charge of obscene communication with a minor, jail records show.

Patrick is a youth pastor at the Grace Baptist Church in Belleview, and the victim is in the youth program, deputies said.

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A parent of a child in the youth program was made aware of the text messages and notified a school resource officer at a local high school, deputies said.

During the investigation, a Marion County detective obtained the victim's phone and saw sexually explicit messages and photos Patrick allegedly sent to the victim, according to a press release.

If anyone else has any knowledge that Patrick may have more victims, the Sheriff's Office urges them to contact Detective Craig Evans at 352-368-3535.

BELLEVIEW YOUTH PASTOR ARRESTED FOR SENDING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT TEXT MESSAGES TO JUVENILE On Tuesday, February 12, 2019,...

Posted by Marion County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, February 12, 2019

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