Authorities arrested a minister they say intended to meet with a child for sex after speaking with her online.

Randy Wade Rowell, 58, of Hazelhurst was arrested Wednesday and charged with criminal attempt to commit child molestation and solicitation for sexual conduct with a child.

According to Telfair County Sheriff Chris Stevenson, GBI officials and sheriff’s deputies arrested Rowell as part of an undercover sting.

Randy Wade Rowell was arrested by police Wednesday in an undercover child sex sting. (Credit: The Macon Telegraph)
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“An investigator posing as an underage female made arrangements to meet the suspect at a secluded location and awaited his arrival,” Stevenson said.

But when Rowell arrived to the location, he came face-to-face with deputies.

Stevenson said Rowell admitted that he was going to meet the child to have sex and that he was going to give her alcohol. He also told police he was a minister.

Rowell remains in jail awaiting a bond hearing.

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