Volunteer pastor accused of assault

BENTONVILLE — A volunteer youth pastor at First Baptist Centerton was arrested Monday in connection with sexually assaulting a church member.

Derek L. Smittle, 30, of Centerton is suspected of having sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl, according to a news release from the Bentonville Police Department.

He was released from the Benton County Jail after posting a $30,000 bond Monday. He faces a charge of sexual assault and six to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Bentonville police began the investigation Jan. 9 after they received a report from the Arkansas State Police’s child abuse hotline, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The caller identified Smittle as a youth pastor and Sunday school teacher and reported the girl attended the church and Smittle’s ministry, according to the affidavit. The caller was concerned because of the position of trust and authority Smittle had at the church, according to the affidavit.

A clergy member at the church told J.C. Wiseman, a Bentonville police detective, that Smittle confessed to him to having a sexual affair with one of his students, according to the affidavit.

The girl’s mother found Smittle with her daughter in Cave Springs. Smittle apologized and told her the “worst thing was going on with him and her daughter,” according to the affidavit.

The girl told police she and Smittle had been having a secret relationship for 15 months, but they did not have sex until Oct. 11, 2018, the affidavit states. Smittle admitted to police he had a sexual relationship with the girl, according to the affidavit.

Smittle said he talked with her about how he could get into trouble because he was her youth minister, according to the affidavit. Smittle said he never thought he had a “position of authority” over the girl because he was a volunteer, according to the affidavit.

First Baptist Centerton is aware of the accusations, according to a news release from the church.

“This individual was not a youth pastor at our church and was not in a position of church authority or decision making,” according to the release. “We have relieved the accused individual of all volunteer responsibilities until this is resolved and are committed to ministering and praying for all who are burdened by these circumstances.”

The church already has safeguards in place but is reviewing policies and procedures to add more layers of protection for children, students and vulnerable adults, according to the release.

Smittle’s arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Circuit Judge Robin Green’s court.

Smittle