A local minister has reportedly been arrested in Smith County for statutory rape by an authority figure and incest.
According the Smith County Insider Press, Richard A. Petty was interviewed by Smith County Sheriff’s Office Detectives. During the interview, Petty admitted that he did have oral sex with a minor on several occasions. He was charged on September 6.
As of Monday morning, September 11, Petty remained incarcerated at the Smith County Jail Facility. Petty’s bond is $180,000.
Petty was minister of the Dowelltown Baptist Church.
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