A minister in Fort Worth has been arrested on a charge of online solicitation of a minor. The Collin County Sheriff's Office says Jason Myers was arrested Friday.
The sheriff's office has not given details about what led to the arrest, but Saturday, Trinity Episcopal Church sent a letter to parishioners alerting them Myers, 43, had been arrested on a felony count involving attempted sexual contact with a person younger than 17. Myers is an associate rector at the church.
"As soon as I informed him of the situation, Bishop Andy Doyle suspended Jason’s ministry under the Title IV clergy disciplinary canons of the Episcopal Church. This means that Jason is not permitted to function as an Episcopal priest in any way for the duration of the investigation and legal proceedings now underway," Rev. Dr. Robert Pace wrote in the letter.
Pace said the church was cooperating with law enforcement and said the church does not have any reason to believe anyone in the congregation or school was harmed. He did urge anyone who might have relevant information to share it with police, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas' intake officer for clergy misconduct complaints.
"As we grieve this news and seek understanding, please join me in
praying for everyone affected. We pray for all children and adults who have experienced harm. We pray for our parish family. We pray for Jason’s wife and their children. Please also pray for Jason," Pace writes at the end of the letter. "May the God of love shelter and surround us as we grieve, this day and always."
Monday morning, Myers was still listed as an inmate in the Collin County Jail.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube