The Pigeon Forge Police Department has confirmed that a local pastor, 69-year-old Dwight Suttles, has been indicted on serious charges relating to child sexual offenses.
According to the Pigeon Forge Police Department (PFPD), Suttles was indicted by the Sevier County Grand Jury on five counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of rape of a child.
The allegations came to light following an investigation initiated by a call to the police department in September.
While specific details regarding the circumstances of the case remain limited at this time, the PFPD emphasized the importance of the investigation for the safety of the community.
Suttles, who was serving as a pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in Pigeon Forge, was taken into custody on Tuesday by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.
He is currently being held at the Sevier County Jail with a substantial bond set at $500,000.
The case is ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.