Home / Crime and Justice / Pastor Convicted: Acquitted of Rape, Guilty of Abuse
Pastor Convicted: Acquitted of Rape, Guilty of Abuse
12 Dec
Summary
- Pastor Martin found guilty of indecent behavior, not statutory rape.
- He faces up to seven years in prison and sex offender registration.
- Civil lawsuit against Martin and his church can now proceed.
Milton Otto Martin III, a 58-year-old Pentecostal pastor from Chalmette, Louisiana, was convicted of indecent behavior with a juvenile this past Thursday. He was acquitted, however, of the more serious charge of statutory rape. Martin faces a potential seven-year prison sentence and must register as a sex offender.
The jury heard from two alleged victims, though charges pertained to only one. The accuser's attorneys lauded her courage, stating her testimony held Martin accountable and protected others. Martin's attorneys and church have not yet commented on the verdict.
Following the conviction, a civil lawsuit filed by Martin's congregant, alleging sexual abuse during four-wheeler rides and accusing the church of inaction, can now move forward. This case is distinct from, but shares legal connections with, the New Orleans Catholic archdiocese clergy molestation scandal.
