FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A now former pastor of a Williamson County church has been arrested for using the church's internet to upload child sex abuse material.
Daryl Hayes, 50, was indicted on six charges of sexual exploitation of a minor by a Williamson County grand jury. He was the former lead pastor of Berrys Chapel Church of Christ, which sits just outside of the Franklin city limits.
The investigation began after a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Deputies say neither Hayes' family or the church were aware of what he was doing.
The church was fully cooperative with the investigation and Hayes was fired immediately.
"While we are not aware of any harm to any families affiliated with Berrys Chapel Church of Christ, the Church condemns sexual immorality of any kind and especially holds its leaders to a high standard of accountability for their actions, especially those actions that may adversely affect children," the church's legal representation said in a statement. "We pray for all those who have been affected by this matter."
Detectives say nothing in the investigation led them to believe there were any local children involved.
