ARDMORE, Ala. (WAAY) -- A trusted church member is accused of crossing the line with two young girls.

The former youth minister at Ardmore's First Baptist Church, Carl Thomas, was charged with two counts of solicitation of a minor after allegedly exchanging some racy text messages with underaged girls.

"He had been sending text messages to two of the 14-year-old girls of a sexual content," said Limestone County Lt. Joel Massey.

Authorities said texts started as innocent and gradually got more provocative. Thankfully, none of the sexual suggestions became reality. 

The church released a statement about the incidents, stating: "The circumstances surrounding a past youth director of First Baptist, is being dealt with in a timely manner. First Baptist Church of Ardmore...would like to report that we are in full cooperation with the authorities that are investigating the behavior of the past youth director."

Police are glad the two teens were brave enough to step forward and raise an alert about someone they trusted.

"They had a lot of confidence in him...they knew to stop it," Massey said.

Reporter: Regina Raccuglia
Web Editor: Dana Franks

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