JACKSON COUNTY PASTOR ARRESTED FOR SOLICITING

(06/02/2018)
West Virginia State Police say a Roane County man who is a Jackson County pastor is wanted for soliciting a minor using an electronic device.

On April 19, troopers in Jackson County received a complaint about possible unethical behavior by Douglass Harper, 39, of Gandeeville, who is the pastor of the Living Water Church in Ripley.

Troopers discovered that Harper had sent text messages to a 15-year-old boy that were sexual in nature, according to a release from State Police.

According to the release, the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office ruled these text messages classify has soliciting a minor by an electronic device and a felony arrest warrant was issued for Harper.

Anyone with information on Harper's whereabout should call State Police.

The release said a second man was arrested after the prosecuting attorney's office said he interfered with the investigation.