SC gospel singer charged with soliciting boy

A former singer in an Upstate gospel group was arrested and charged with soliciting a teenage boy online, according to authorities.

Joseph Martin Trusty, 47, of 113 Phillips Lane, Greenville, was charged in a warrant Tuesday with criminal solicitation of a minor.

He was identified Wednesday by the gospel group as the man charged in the warrant. In a statement, the band said Trusty’s association with the band has been terminated.

Trusty is accused of soliciting an undercover Sheriff’s Office deputy posing as a 15-year-old male, according to a warrant.

The warrant alleged that Trusty engaged the deputy posing as a 15 year old online in a sexual conversation. Trusty agreed to meet at a location for sex, the warrant alleged.

Trusty sang baritone in the gospel group, band members said.

He was being held at the Greenville County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond.

This story was originally published October 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "SC gospel singer charged with soliciting boy."