Youth minister arrested

Man faces charges from Bourbon County that accuse him of attempting to solicit a minor for sex.

By Calen McKinney

Central Kentucky News-Journal

January 27, 2011

A local youth minister has been arrested and charged with attempting to meet a person he believed to be a young girl for sex.

Drew A. Underwood, 24, of 97 Debra Kay Ave. was arrested at 3:06 p.m. Tuesday.

He was charged with prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor [or peace officer posing as a minor] for sex.

According to Taylor County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Pickard, Underwood was arrested by Deputy William Rice after being indicted last year by a Bourbon County grand jury.

Pickard said the allegations against Underwood stem from an investigation by Kentucky State Police as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

Though Pickard hasn't investigated the allegations against Underwood, he said it is likely that Underwood allegedly committed the crimes in Campbellsville, though they may involve someone from Bourbon County.

Underwood is a former employee of Kentucky Heartland Outreach. He posted on his MySpace page that he is a youth minister at Mt. Roberts Baptist Church. Pickard said he was also told that Underwood maintains that employment.

However, Kyle Franklin, pastor at Mt. Roberts Baptist Church, said just before press time that Underwood no longer works at his church. He declined to stay when Underwood's employment ended.

Pickard said Underwood denied committing the crimes when he was being arrested. Pickard said he has seized computers and other evidence from Underwood.

According to court records, Underwood's bond was set at $5,000 cash, which was posted about an hour after his arrest.

The charge is a Class D felony, punishable by as much as five years in prison.

According to online court records, Underwood is scheduled to appear in Bourbon County Circuit Court on Monday, Feb. 28.

http://www.cknj.com/content/youth-minister-arrested

SBP Note: Mt. Roberts Baptist Church is shown as a church that is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.