Former Sparta, North Carolina, Pastor Charged With Child Sex Crimes

A former pastor of Sparta United Methodist Church has been charged with five felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court records. The charges are allegations at this stage, and the court records cited do not report a plea or a verdict.

Bobby Randall Miller, of Roaring Gap, was arrested Monday. He is charged with three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to Alleghany County court records.

His arrest warrant accuses him of possessing material showing minors engaged in sexual activity. According to the warrant, the material involves at least two children: a girl between the ages of 12 and 15 and a boy between the ages of 6 and 10.

Under North Carolina law, third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor involves possessing such material, while second-degree involves recording, distributing or receiving it.

Miller was released after posting a $25,000 secured bond. In his release order, the court cited the serious nature of the charges as well as his lack of criminal history and longstanding community ties. The order restricts his contact with minors, a safeguard for children who are protected by the court’s order while the case proceeds (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Miller was pastor of Sparta United Methodist Church from 2008 to 2021, according to the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina.

Court records do not say when the alleged offenses happened or whether they are connected to Miller’s time at the church.

Source: Read the original report