DeKalb Minister Charged With Statutory Rape

Smith County authorities have arrested a DeKalb County minister on charges of statutory rape by an authority figure.

According to investigators, Richard A. Petty admitted to having inappropriate contact with a minor on several occasions.

Petty remains incarcerated at the Smith County Jail Facility on $180,000.

Authorities said Petty was a minister at the Dowelltown Baptist Church.