Former youth pastor accused of rape has case waived to grand jury

UPDATE (10/1/25): Madison County youth pastor sentenced to 24 years

UPDATE (6/9/25): Former youth pastor in Jackson sentenced to prison

UPDATE (2/3/25): Former youth pastor pleads guilty to sex crimes involving minor

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local pastor appeared in Jackson City Court regarding sex crimes with a minor.

Former youth pastor, 39-year-old Ryan McElrath appeared in court Wednesday.

McElrath is charged with aggravated statutory rape, statutory rape, and sexual battery.

According to the warrant, the charges came from an incident that happened May 31 where he allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a 17-year-old female victim at Fellowship Bible Church.

The warrant also told us that on the morning of June 11, a man visited the Jackson Police Department to report a sexual assault against his daughter.

It also noted that McElrath met the victim in the high school area of the church for approximately 30 minutes.

Attorney Joe H. Byrd of Byrd and Byrd attorneys at law is representing McElrath.

“This is the matter of the State of Tennessee vs. Ryan McElrath. He’s selecting to waive his case to the grand jury with bail being set at 70,000 dollars,” said Judge Blake Anderson.

At this time, we don’t have a date on when the next court appearance will take place.

PRIOR COVERAGE: Court date moved for former youth pastor accused of rape

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