GBI: Metter youth pastor charged with child exploitation due to inappropriate texts

A Glenville church youth pastor has been charged with sexual child exploitation.

The GBI said agents arrested Benjamin Houser, 24, for sending inappropriate text messages to two members of his youth group at Cedar Street Baptist Church in Metter.

According to the GBI, the investigation indicates the texts to those two minors to be "consistent with grooming tactics."

The Candler County Sheriff's Office requested the GBI's investigative assistance on March 29 to look into the allegations against Houser.

Houser was arrested on April 26 and booked into the Candler County Jail.

As the investigation continues, the GBI encourages anyone with information to call the Candler County Sheriff’s Office at 912-685-2568 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Statesboro at 912-871-1121.