Police: Byars' Brother Took Notes to Girl

A former Youth Pastor in Marshall County now faces more charges, and his brother has been arrested, for their involvement with a juvenile girl.

Thirty-two year-old Robert Byars was arrested on July 1 on 5 counts of 3rd degree rape, 5 counts of 3rd degree sodomy, and 15 counts of unlawful transaction with a minor. He has been in Marshall County Detention Center since his arrest, following an indictment by a Grand Jury.

Byars was charged Friday with another count of unlawful transaction with a minor, and his brother, 36-year-old Theodore F. Byars was arrested on the same charge. Kentucky State Police determined Robert was allegedly writing letters to the girl, and Theodore was delivering them. Police say the letters were sexually explicit, and asked the girl to disobey her parents by meeting him when he is released from jail.

Robert Byars was Youth Pastor at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Benton until he resigned in June, and the girl was in the youth group.

Theodore has joined his brother in the Marshall County Detention Center.