A Georgia youth pastor is facing charges for child sexual exploitation after allegedly sending inappropriate texts to minors in his congregation, authorities confirmed. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, 24-year-old Benjamin Dalton Houser, who served at Cedar Street Baptist Church in Metter, was arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on April 26.

The investigation began when the Candler County Sheriff’s Office received reports from concerned members of the church, two deacons discussed how Houser, the youth pastor, allegedly engaged in sending texts laced with grooming tactics to at least two minors under his care; these conversations prompted an alert to law enforcement. Houser's arrest followed and he's been detained at the Candler County Jail, with bail set at $50,000, as well as an order preventing any contact with the alleged victims, WSB-TV reported.

The details surrounding the charges suggest that Houser took advantage of his position to manipulate young congregants, an accusation that has disturbed the community and the church involved. The case still unfolds as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and local authorities continue to seek further information and potential additional victims who may have been targeted by Houser.

The ongoing investigation encourages individuals with relevant information to step forward—witnesses can contact the Candler County Sheriff’s Office or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation by phone or via the web; anonymous tips can also be submitted, highlighting the seriousness and sensitivities that such a case imposes on the involved families and community. The final proceedings await the conclusion of the investigation, after which the Middle Judicial Circuit will undertake the prosecution of the case.