A 22-year-old former youth pastor in Metter is facing charges of sexual exploitation and sexual battery, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Steve Macallin Thomas of Garfield was charged Monday with two counts of sexual exploitation and two counts of sexual battery, the GBI said in its news release.

Thomas is a former youth pastor at the Restoration Worship Center in Metter, the GBI said. Thomas turned himself in to the Candler County Jail on Monday night, according to the news release.

Anyone with information should contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Statesboro at 912-871-1121.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A postcard shows Legion Pool on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. In September, the university announced plans to demolish Legion Pool to make way for green space, an outdoor amphitheater and additional parking. (UGA Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library)

Credit: Contributed

Featured

A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC