Talala Sunday School Teacher Arrested For Lewd Acts With Minor

The case involves a relationship that investigators say started on Facebook and progressed to lewd molestation in a secluded area of a church.<br />

Tuesday, March 18th 2014, 4:35 pm

By: News On 6


The Rogers County Sheriff's office arrested a Sunday school teacher, charged with molesting a 12-year-old girl and making an indecent proposal to her.

Investigators said Timothy Gregston first contacted the 12-year-old girl through Facebook, then, moved to text messages and email. They say, at first, the communications were harmless, became more sexual, and then progressed to him physically touching her.

The Rogers County Sheriff's office and a member of the fugitive task force arrested Gregston, 29, in Tulsa Tuesday afternoon. Court records say he emailed a lewd picture of himself to the 12-year-old and made a lewd proposal to her, and twice touched and kissed her.

Investigators say he met the girl at the First Baptist Church of Talala where Gregston serves as a Sunday school teacher and helps with the youth group.

"Both incidents of him kissing her took place in a secluded area of the church in Talala," said Rogers County Sheriff's office investigator, Gavin Gatrell.

Investigators say the communication between Gregston and the girl took place last fall. They say he requested a picture of her and sent a picture of himself. Officers say they served a search warrant at his home and located the room where the picture was taken.

"Anytime we get a case like this, it takes top priority with us," Gatrell said. "We are also concerned about the possibility of other victims and encourage anyone who thinks someone they know, or are themselves a victim, to contact the Rogers County Sheriff's office.

The girl's grandparents reported this cast to the Sheriff's office, and they encourage parents to keep track of what their kids are doing online. They say casual, harmless conversations, even with people they know, can turn into something more sinister.

"I would say absolutely monitor kids and social media, and know what they're doing. Know who they are talking to, what they are saying to those people and what those people are saying to them," Gatrell said.

Investigators say Gregston has no criminal history, so nothing would've shown up in a background check.

We called the pastor of the church and are waiting on a call back.

If anyone believes they are a victim, they can call 918-923-4484.

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