State Police arrested an eastern Kentucky preacher in Clark County after they say he drove across several counties to meet a 13-year old girl for sex.
Police arrested 44-year old John Edward Smith for unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities, which is a class D felony.
Smith, who is a preacher at a church in Jackson, reportedly met the teen through his position at the Breathitt County church.
Detectives say Smith started sending the girl text messages, which she told an adult about.
Police say they supervised the girl to help arrange a meeting at a Winchester car lot Thursday evening. When Smith arrived at the arranged location, police took him into custody.
He is being held in the Clark County Detention Center on $5,000 bond.