LAUREL, Miss. (AP) - Jones County Sheriff's Department arrested Cory Cotten, a former youth pastor accusing him of computer luring of a person under 18 to engage in sexual contact and a second charge of exploitation of children.

Investigative Division Capt. Don Sumrall tells the Hattiesburg American (http://hatne.ws/P7FkTx ) a search warrant was executed on Cotten's home after an ongoing investigation that has lasted for several months.

Authorities say they had been investigating Cotten after complaints from residents in the community started coming in as far back as June.

Cotton will appear before Judge David Lyons Friday for his initial appearance.

Information from: The Hattiesburg American, http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com

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