TEXARKANA, Ark. — A pastor affiliated with a Texarkana church is being held in the Miller County jail on five counts of rape, according to court records filed this week.
Cedric Monteze Sharp, 51, was arrested February 11 and appeared Friday before District Judge Tommy Potter for an initial hearing. His bail has been set at $500,000.
Sharp identifies himself as the pastor of Bright Star Missionary Baptist Church in Texarkana, a position he has held for just over a year, according to his Facebook page.
Details regarding the allegations were not available Wednesday, however, court documents indicate the charges relate to a single alleged victim.
Judge Potter established conditions for Sharp’s release should he post bail. He is prohibited from having any contact with the alleged victim and cannot use alcohol or controlled substances unless prescribed by a doctor. Sharp is also prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition while his case proceeds.
If convicted, Sharp faces 10 to 40 years or life in prison on each count of rape.
He is scheduled to return to court in early March for a status hearing. An attorney for Sharp was not listed as of Wednesday.
