Brantford minister charged

A Brantford minister has been charged with sexual exploitation, luring a child, and possession of child pornography.

64-year-old Reverend Barry Pridham is accused of sending sexually explicit text messages to a 17-year-old girl.

According to police, the girl was lured into texting and emailing naked pictures of herself.

The girl’s mother called police when she saw the messages.

Brantford police say they searched Pridham’s home and the church office Sunday morning, and seized electronic devices.

According to Brantford’s Sydenham Street United Church’s website, Pridham currently works there and has been there for over 20 years.

Pridham appeared in court Sunday morning and was remanded until Tuesday.