Please bear with me while I update a few threads concerning youth ministers. I don't believe we have a thread on this first guy. Note who Lewis apologizes to. Not the victim. And how are we to truly know of his remorse?
It is wonderful to see so many supporters turn out for the victim and for the church pastor to take a zero tolerance stance.
http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21005762360099/
Former youth pastor sentenced in molestation case
October 29, 2011
"A former youth minister convicted of child molestation has learned his fate.
Thirty-year-old Russell Lewis has been sentenced to over 28 years in prison...."
and
"....Lewis was arrested in 2009, while he served as musical director at The Church by the Glades in Coral Springs. According to police, Lewis molested a 14-year-old who was a member of the church's youth group...."
and an article from earlier in the day:
http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/l...youth-pastor-takes-stand-in-molestation-case/
Former youth pastor takes stand in molestation case
October 29, 2011
"A former youth pastor took the stand in court after being accused of raping a teenage member of his church. Thirty-year-old Russell Lewis took the stand in court Friday afternoon and pleaded no contest for his sentencing in the case of molesting a 14-year-old girl. The courtroom was filled with supporters and church members supporting the teen victim...."
and
"...Police said the incident occurred several times inside the church room. Lewis said he was deeply sorry in court to the people that were once his friends. "I'm so sorry, guys. I really am. It's been hard on my family, even my friends, my neighbors, and I have lost a lot of respect for myself..."
and
"...Lewis' attorneys have been asking the judge to reduce the sentence and to take into account that Lewis has no previous arrests, and that he clearly has remorse for what he did. A church pastor is set to read a written statement by the victim pleading to lock up Lewis for life. If Lewis were found guilty, he would face 105 years in prison.
More at link (plus video)
Not quite sure how 105 years morphed down to 28.
It is wonderful to see so many supporters turn out for the victim and for the church pastor to take a zero tolerance stance.
http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21005762360099/
Former youth pastor sentenced in molestation case
October 29, 2011
"A former youth minister convicted of child molestation has learned his fate.
Thirty-year-old Russell Lewis has been sentenced to over 28 years in prison...."
and
"....Lewis was arrested in 2009, while he served as musical director at The Church by the Glades in Coral Springs. According to police, Lewis molested a 14-year-old who was a member of the church's youth group...."
and an article from earlier in the day:
http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/l...youth-pastor-takes-stand-in-molestation-case/
Former youth pastor takes stand in molestation case
October 29, 2011
"A former youth pastor took the stand in court after being accused of raping a teenage member of his church. Thirty-year-old Russell Lewis took the stand in court Friday afternoon and pleaded no contest for his sentencing in the case of molesting a 14-year-old girl. The courtroom was filled with supporters and church members supporting the teen victim...."
and
"...Police said the incident occurred several times inside the church room. Lewis said he was deeply sorry in court to the people that were once his friends. "I'm so sorry, guys. I really am. It's been hard on my family, even my friends, my neighbors, and I have lost a lot of respect for myself..."
and
"...Lewis' attorneys have been asking the judge to reduce the sentence and to take into account that Lewis has no previous arrests, and that he clearly has remorse for what he did. A church pastor is set to read a written statement by the victim pleading to lock up Lewis for life. If Lewis were found guilty, he would face 105 years in prison.
More at link (plus video)
Not quite sure how 105 years morphed down to 28.