Missouri Minister Accused of Facebook Enticement of Girl, 13

(St. Joseph, Missouri) A 40-year-old minister at the New Hope Baptist Church, Rev. Robert M. Black, surrendered to police yesterday to face charges that he used a Facebook account to entice someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl for sex.

Black has been charged with first-degree attempted statutory rape and attempted enticement of a child under 15.

The criminal charges capped a lengthy investigation by the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, said Clay County Sheriff Bob Boydston.

According to authorities, Black used the Facebook account under the name “Jon Still” to trade e-mails with the 13-year-old "girl," who was a task force detective.

During Internet conversations with the detective, Black allegedly discussed sex and things of a sexual nature. Black arranged a meeting near a Liberty bowling alley and told the girl not to wear underwear, court documents said.

Black was booked into custody with bond set at $100,000.