A Tennessee grand jury has indicted a former pastor who allegedly attempted to rape a 12-year-old girl who police found together in a truck last month.
According to WRCB, deputies were searching for a possibly stolen vehicle on Ross Creek Road when they found Grand County pastor William E. “Tim” Smith, Jr., 48, with the underage girl. Investigators claimed they also recovered various pills in a pill bottle from the scene.
A police report alleged that Smith took the 12-year-old and her cousin to a lake for several hours. Afterward, Smith reportedly dropped off the cousin, picked up his other truck, and took the girl to Ross Creek Road to use the restroom. Investigators said Smith returned and was touching the girl inappropriately before a deputy knocked on the window and arrested him.
The Tennessee Church of God State Offices confirmed they suspended Smith following his June 1 arrest.
“In keeping with the ecclesiastical polity of Church of God, the Tennessee Church of God Administrative Bishop, Reverend Mitchell E. Corder, Jr., has placed Tim Smith, Jr., on administrative leave and suspended him from all ministerial activities on June 1, 2018, pending investigation and disposition of these charges,” the church said in a statement issued to WRCB. “Our concern and prayers go out to all involved in this matter.”
Smith was indicted on charges of attempted rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and possession of a controlled substance. He’s scheduled to appear in court on July 20.
[Featured image: William E. “Tim” Smith Jr./WRCB]