Former Georgia youth pastor arrested on child sex charges

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. — A 22-year-old former youth pastor is facing multiple child sex charges, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

On Monday, the GBI arrested Steve Macallin Thomas, of Garfield, Georgia. Thomas is a former youth pastor at the Restoration Worship Center in Metter, Georgia. He turned himself in to the Candler County Jail on Monday evening.

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Authorities said the victims identified so far were children under the age of 15 at the time of the incidents.

Thomas is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation and two counts of sexual battery. These charges stem from a GBI investigation at the request of the Candler County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities are still investigating the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact 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 HERE, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

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