ROGERS, Ark. (AP) — Police have arrested a church youth minister, alleging he engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
Rogers officers say 41-year-old Tyrone K. Atwater faces two charges of first-degree sexual assault. A police affidavit says the girl initially denied involvement, but that her mother found text messages on the girl's phone that told a different story.
Atwater was the youth minister at the Open Door Baptist Church. The affidavit said incidents occurred at his home, her home and during a church event. A telephone call left at the church was not immediately returned.
The Benton County Sheriff's Department said Thursday Atwater did not have a lawyer. He was being held in lieu of $20,000 bond.
Police investigated after receiving a tip through the State Police Crimes Against Children hot line.
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