TENNESSEE PREACHER SENTENCED TO LIFE AFTER CONVICTION IN CHILD ABUSE CASE — WIFE ALSO FOUND GUILTY
TENNESSEE PREACHER SENTENCED TO LIFE AFTER CONVICTION IN CHILD ABUSE CASE — WIFE ALSO FOUND GUILTY
A Tennessee pastor has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of multiple offenses involving the sexual abuse of a young girl.
Benjamin Garlick, 35, was convicted following a two-week trial in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Prosecutors said the abuse began when the victim was 5 years old and continued over a period of years.
MULTIPLE CONVICTIONS
Garlick was found guilty of:
Seven counts of aggravated rape of a child
Six counts of aggravated sexual battery
One count of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor
Two violations of Tennessee’s Child Protection Act
He has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole on the aggravated rape convictions. Sentencing on the remaining convictions is scheduled for November 10.
HIS WIFE WAS ALSO CONVICTED
Garlick’s wife, Shaantal Garlick, 32, was convicted of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and aggravated child neglect.
According to investigators, she was accused of facilitating the abuse rather than being charged with the same offenses as her husband.
She had remained free on bond during the trial but was taken back into custody following the verdict. She is also scheduled to be sentenced on November 10.
INVESTIGATION UNCOVERED MORE VICTIMS
The investigation began in August 2023, when Murfreesboro police opened an inquiry into the alleged abuse of a young child.
Investigators later identified two additional victims, according to police.
Both Benjamin and Shaantal were arrested in September 2023 and are currently being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
A PREACHER WHO TRAVELED FOR MINISTRY
Garlick was involved with La Espada, a Murfreesboro-based ministry serving Spanish-speaking communities.
According to the report, his religious work took him and his wife to churches in several states, including Florida, Indiana, Minnesota and Texas.
The investigation ultimately brought an end to the couple’s public ministry activities.
A RELIGIOUS LEADER.
A CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATION.
A TWO-WEEK TRIAL THAT ENDED WITH MULTIPLE CONVICTIONS.
The case now moves into its sentencing phase, with additional penalties for both defendants still to be determined.
