Youth minister charged with Child Molestation

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - A Valdosta youth minister remains in jail Tuesday on Child Molestation charges. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office began investigating last week after they got a tip he was sexually involved with an underaged member of his church.

Folks in Valdosta were shocked to hear of the suspected child molestation by a pastor from First Baptist Church. "It's a well known church in this area, a large congregation, and I'm just so sorry they had to be faced with this," said Lowndes County Sheriff Chris Pine.

29-year old James Kubicek III was a youth minister at the church. Lowndes County deputies arrested Kubicek when he returned from a church mission trip around 3 o'clock Monday morning. "Anybody in that position, in such regards, should also realize that according to the bible you're held to a higher standard," said Valdosta Resident Reginald Benjamin.

Investigators tell us Kubicek confessed to the crimes against a 15-year old girl. The church fired Kubicek as soon as they heard about the misconduct. "They have been very cooperative in our efforts to investigate this crime," said Pine.

Many folks told us off camera that it is the responsibility of the parents to monitor their children's behavior. Others said it's disgusting this can even happen.

The church held a meeting with parents and their children to try to move forward from these events. "I'm certainly glad that we were able to apprehend this subject and have him placed in our jail," said Pine.

Kubicek had his first appearance and no bond amount was set. Kubicek is charged with child molestation, aggravated child molestation, and sexual battery.