A Georgia pastor has received a lengthy prison sentence after authorities say he coerced a 14-year-old girl into his vehicle and assaulted her. The information comes from local news coverage citing the Macon District Attorney, who provided the outcome of the case to the public.
The district attorney described the incident as occurring in September 2021, when the student was returning from school. According to the prosecutor, the man stopped his car, claimed to be a religious leader, and offered to drive the girl home. Instead, he steered the situation toward a secluded place, where the alleged assault took place, and then returned to his duties at a sermon, leaving the victim inside the vehicle. A few hours later, the young person was taken home by the accused.
During the sentencing hearing, the court imposed a 45-year prison term with a minimum requirement of 20 years to be served before any possibility of release. The ruling reflects the gravity of the alleged actions and the impact on the young victim and her family. The court also weighed considerations of trust placed in a community figure and the breach of that trust in relation to the case.
No further information about additional parties or other incidents was discussed in court at the time of sentencing, and no details beyond this case were highlighted in the public record. The outcome underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes involving minors and positions within a religious community. The public record confirms that the defendant will serve a substantial amount of time behind bars as a consequence of the alleged conduct.