WEST VIRGINIA
WCHS

[with video]

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Boone County pastor is arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a young boy.

James Robert Smith, 23, also known as “J.R” is the pastor at Morning Star House of Prayer in Ridgeview.

On Monday, he was charged with first degree sexual abuse and sexual abuse by a parent or guardian on a warrant out of Fayette County issued by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

He is also under investigation by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office for the same crimes because deputies have reason to believe the alleged sexual abuse happened not only in Fayetteville, but also Clendenin.

The allegations go back to 2009, when the alleged victim was 10-years-old.