WINCHESTER, Ky. (AP) — State police say an eastern Kentucky preacher used text messages to try to lure a 13-year-old girl to have sex with him.

Station
WKYT reports that police arrested 44-year-old John Edward Smith as he
attempted to meet with the girl Thursday in Clark County.

Smith is charged with unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities.

Smith is a preacher at a church in Jackson and reportedly met the teen through his position at the church.

Detectives
say the girl told an adult about the text messages, and police
supervised her to help arrange a meeting at a Winchester car lot. Smith
was arrested at the lot when he arrived.

He is being held on $5,000 bond.

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