June 13, 2008

AIKEN, S.C. - The Aiken County Sheriff's Office on Thursday arrested a North Augusta pastor concerning a series of sexual assaults dating back to 1990 involving a teenage girl.

Lawrence Smith, 69, 469 Bradleyville Road, North Augusta, South Carolina, is charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor - Second Degree (three counts), Lewd Act Upon a Child (three counts) and Assault and Battery High and Aggravated Nature (three counts).

ACSO investigators arrested Smith at his home.

Between December 1990 and December 1995, the subject sexually assaulted the victim on numerous occasions. The assaults took place at the subject's home and another home on Bradleyville Road.

"We know for a fact there are more victims," said Sheriff Michael Hunt. "Some either have moved out of the area or do not want to cooperate, but we encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward."

In January 2005, fire destroyed Free Indeed Holiness Church, where Smith served as pastor. The cause of the fire never was determined.

Smith is being held at the Aiken County Detention Center.