WINTER HAVEN -- A youth pastor at a Lakeland church is off the job and facing charges, after deputies say he attempted a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl he was counseling.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says Andrew Weaver, 29, was married when his "counseling" took an inappropriate turn with the girl, who was a member of his youth group. According to the sheriff, the girl showed him nude pictures on her phone but did not transmit them to him. They met at the church and Weaver drove her to a motel in Mulberry around New Year's. He rented a room and they were "making out" when what Judd describes as "an angel" knocked on the door... "disguised as a maid." The two got spooked and took off back to the church.
Staff with the church contacted detectives last week, which led to interviews with the girl and Weaver. He admitted driving around with her and heading to the motel, saying he suffers from problems with "impulse control."
Judd offered some "counseling" of his own for Weaver, who is now charged with Attempted Unlawful Sex with a Minor and Interference with Child Custody:
" Jesus don't like thtat... I'd even go so far as to say he's pissed." Judd said. The sheriff said Weaver's actions had embarrassed thousands of pastors who "do the right thing."
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