A religious leader from the US South, who accused the victims of the Orlando nightclub massacre of getting "what they deserved", was arrested for abusing a boy under 16 years of age.

Bishop Kenneth Adkins was arrested in Brunswick, Georgia on Friday, 26 August. His alleged victim was part of his ministry and reportedly mentored by the pastor.

The 56-year-old turned himself into the Glynn County authorities on Friday, after charges of aggravated child molestation and child molestation were made against him by a young male, according to the Florida Times Union.

His wife has stood by him, saying: "We are disappointed with what appears to be a rush to judgment by law enforcement authorities in this case."

Charlotte Stormy Adkins added: "We are confident that Kenneth Adkins will be found innocent of all charges."

Adkins has requested to be put on unpaid leave from The Greater Church Brunswick on Altama Avenue. His wife said she will serve as acting pastor.

Kevin Gough, Adkins lawyer said: "He looks forward to having his day in court."

The investigation will focus on alleged molestation in several locations including at Adkins' church, a vehicle and a victim's home, Stacy Carson, special agent in charge of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Kingsland office.

After the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in June, Adkins tweeted, "Been through so much with these Jacksonville homosexuals that I don't see none of them as victims. I see them as getting what they deserve."

The pastor later denied he was referring to the shooting victims, but instead his tweet was "strictly meant for the Jacksonville group that has made my life a living hell" since he served on the community discussion panel.

Adkins would also take photos of himself in drag and post them on social media to mock trans women, accompanied by vitriolic rants against the LGBT community, reported Towelroad.