North Carolina Pastor Charged with Sexual Battery

Jeffrey Smith, a 67-year-old pastor of Mebane Presbyterian Church in North Carolina, has been charged with sexual battery after allegedly groping a man in a Walmart restroom. The incident occurred when Smith reportedly approached the victim and forcibly touched him through his clothing before fleeing the scene. Police apprehended Smith shortly after, hidden behind a Sheetz gas station, and he faces a misdemeanor charge that could result in up to 90 days in jail and a potential 30-year registration as a sex offender. Smith, who has been a pastor for 25 years, delivered a sermon on forgiveness just last month, raising questions about his prior public persona. His church has placed him on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case, which has drawn significant media attention given Smith's long-standing role in the community and the nature of the allegations. Smith was released on a $3,000 bond after his arrest.