JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A well-known Jacksonville pastor accused of sending a minor obscene text messages was taken into police custody Monday afternoon.

Just days after stepping down as pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, police arrested Darrell L. Gilyard on one count of lewd conduct.

According to the police report, Gilyard "solicited a person under 16 years old to commit a lewd act by sending her lewd text messages and requesting for her to send him lewd text messages back."

The state attorney's office began its investigation after the daughter of a church member accused Gilyard of sending her sexually explicit messages.

The investigation showed the obscene messages came from Gilayrd's cell phone, according to authorities.

Channel 4 reporter Jennifer Bauer spoke with the deacon at Shiloh Metropolitan on Monday. He said he didn't know Gilyard had been arrested until getting Bauer's call, but that they were praying for everyone involved in the case.

Gilyard resigned from Shiloh Baptist in early January, citing his desire to put the interests of the church and the congregation ahead of his own. His resignation came as the state attorney's office began investigating the text messages in question.

Gilyard's attorney released the following statement about Monday's arrest:

"Pastor Gilyard volunteered to surrender immediately upon being informed there was an interest in arresting him. He has been a committed community servant, instrumental in building Shiloh Baptist from a few to several thousand, and improving many neighborhoods and the lives of young people following a path of crime and drugs.

"It would be inappropriate to comment on any matters properly addressed in the courtroom. In the meanwhile, he appreciates the enormous support of his family and others, and has sought professional support for himself and his family during this very trying time."

Shortly after his arrest, Gilyard posted bond and was released.