Candler Co. Sheriff’s Office arrests youth pastor accused of inappropriate contact with children

METTER, Ga. (WSAV) – The Candler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged a Metter youth pastor who is accused of Obscene Internet Contact With a Minor.

On April 26, Candler sheriff’s arrested Benjamin Dalton Houser of Metter, Ga. who is a youth pastor at Cedar St Baptist Church.

The GBI said on April 29, that the investigation showed Houser sending texts to two children under his supervision at the church. Investigators say the messages were consistent with child grooming tactics.

According to an initial incident report an investigator with the Candler County Sheriff’s Office met with Deacons of Cedar Street Baptist Church on Friday, March 29, 2024, about possible crimes against children.

The investigator reviewed the information given to them and decided to request assistance from the GBI. The case file will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit for prosecution once the investigation is complete.

Houser is currently being held at the Candler County Jail on a bond of $50,000 cash or $25,000 in property. A judge has ordered Houser to have no contact with anyone in the case. Obscene internet contact with a minor is a felony.

This is an ongoing investigation. Those with information are encouraged to contact the Candler County Sheriff’s Office at 912-685-2568 or the GBI regional investigative office in Statesboro at 912-871-1121.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.