A Roanoke Rapids man has been charged with 10 counts of sex offenses involving a child between the age of 13 and 14.
The man, Edmond Tyler Baird, 19, was arrested today after an investigation by Detective B.C. Griffin of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement.
Multiple sources today confirmed Baird was involved in youth ministries at East Tenth Church of Christ.
Tripp declined comment on Baird’s employment status. He did confirm the victim in the case was not a member of the church.
Dave Chapman, pastor of the church, said Baird has been suspended without pay pending formal dismissal from the summer internship. His belongings have been boxed. “Our hearts go out to the victim and to the family.”
As the sheriff confirmed, Chapman also confirmed the charges against Baird were not related to the church. “My understanding is the beginning of the offenses predate us knowing him.”
Said Chapman: “Our church is absolutely heartbroken about the situation. It’s so horrific to hear about people engaging in these crimes. It’s something Jesus talked about, looking out for the little children.”
Baird’s arrest today stemmed from Griffin’s investigation after a complaint was received of alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.
The investigation revealed Baird reportedly had an ongoing and continuous sexual relationship with a minor for the past several months, and that the crimes occurred in several locations in the Roanoke Rapids area.
Griffin charged Baird with four counts of statutory rape of a child and six counts of statutory sexual offence with a child.
He received a $250,000 bond and August 16 court date.