JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – A minister and Christian radio station employee has been charged with indecent exposure as well as DUI and violation of the open container law, the Kingsport Times-News reported.
Tommy Tester, 58, of Bristol, Va., was arrested last week by Johnson City police after they say he urinated in front of children at a car wash.
Click here to read the full story from the Kingsport Times-News.
Police also said Tester, who was wearing a skirt, offered to perform oral sex on officers who responded to the car wash.
Tester is the pastor of Gospel Baptist Church on Reedy Creek Road in Bristol and works for Christian radio station WZAP-AM.
The radio station’s owner, Al Morris, issued a statement Monday saying, "We do not know all the details and facts concerning the arrest; but for the time being Tommy has been relieved of his responsibilities at the station until such facts surrounding the case are determined. We pray that this matter can be quickly resolved. In the meantime, we ask you to pray for Tommy and for WZAP."
Morris told the Times-News his staff, the station's listeners and members of Tester's congregation were all shocked about Johnson City police officers' allegations.
"It's the biggest shock of my life," he said. "So far, they (members of the congregation) have rallied behind Tommy."
Morris told the paper that when he spoke with Tester, he said the Johnson City police scared him.
"He was scared to death and didn't know what he'd said or what he'd admitted or anything else," Morris said.
Tester was released Friday on $1,000 bond. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 25.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox