North Carolina Pastor Arrested for Groping Incident at Walmart

Police allege Jeffrey Smith, 67, approached a man in the men's restroom of a Walmart in Mebane, North Carolina , and 'grabbed the victim's genitals' through his clothes

Jeffrey Smith, a 67-year-old pastor from Mebane, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with sexual battery after allegedly groping a man inside a Walmart restroom. Police say Smith approached the man and grabbed his genitals through his clothes before fleeing the scene.

Smith was arrested shortly after behind a nearby Sheetz gas station. He faces one count of sexual battery, which could result in up to 90 days in jail and placement on the sex offender registry for at least 30 years, according to defense attorney Daniel Meier.

Smith has served as the Mebane Presbyterian Church pastor for 25 years

Smith, who has been the pastor at Mebane Presbyterian Church for 25 years, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

Just months ago, Smith delivered a sermon on forgiveness and mercy and recently celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary. He was released on a $3,000 bond following his arrest.

Smith shared just four months ago that he and his wife were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary