BENTON, KY — A Marshall County pastor has been arrested on charges related to allegedly soliciting inappropriate photographs from an 11-year-old girl, according to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Clarence Barry Hungerford, 58, was taken into custody after the victim’s family contacted authorities to report that their daughter had been solicited for photos by the pastor of her church.
According to detectives, Hungerford allegedly sent messages to the young girl requesting that she send him photos of her body. During the investigation, authorities say Hungerford admitted to contacting the girl and acknowledged destroying his cellphone in an apparent attempt to prevent investigators from accessing its contents.
Hungerford has been charged with tampering with physical evidence and unlawful use of electronic means within the Commonwealth to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities.
The suspect served as pastor of a church in Aurora and maintains a part-time residence in Marshall County, where he was located when the alleged solicitation occurred, according to investigators.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the ongoing investigation. The case underscores the importance of parents monitoring their children’s electronic communications and maintaining open dialogue about inappropriate contact from adults.
Hungerford’s current employment status with the Aurora church was not immediately available. The investigation remains active.