"Because It's Done with God's Love, It's Okay"... Pastor Convicted of Sexual Assault Sentenced to 18 Years in Appeal Trial

9 Goddesses Raped and Sexually Assaulted... Sentenced to 8 Years in First Trial
Prosecutors: "First Trial Sentence Too Light... Should Be 18 Years Imprisonment"

The prosecution demanded an 18-year prison sentence in the appellate trial for Pastor A of a church in Jeonbuk, who was indicted on charges of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting female congregants over several decades (rape and forced molestation).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The prosecution has requested an 18-year prison sentence again in the appellate trial for Pastor A of a church in Jeonbuk, who was indicted on charges of habitual sexual assault and molestation of female believers over several decades (rape and forced molestation).

At the appellate trial sentencing hearing held on the 10th at the Jeonju branch of the Gwangju High Court, 1st Criminal Division (Chief Judge Kim Sung-joo), the prosecution stated, "Considering the gravity of the crimes committed by the defendant and his attitude after the offenses, the sentence in the first trial was too light and unjust. We request the court to impose the same 18-year prison sentence as the prosecution sought in the first trial."

They also urged, "Please issue the probation order and the order to disclose personal information as requested by the prosecution."

Pastor A denied the rape charges again in his final argument that day, saying, "I have never had forced sexual relations even once. I was in an extramarital relationship with some believers."

He testified, "I usually tried to comfort and console the believers with a sincere heart without formality, and if that was burdensome, I apologize," adding, "The believers are conspiring to drive me out of the church by coordinating lies and slander."

When the judge asked, "Do you not feel any pangs of conscience as a pastor?" Pastor A replied, "This is all about American-style touching and such things being twisted into sexual harassment. We were getting along well as man and woman, but suddenly they turned against me and sued me."

Victims seated in the gallery shed tears, saying, "It's all lies," and "How shameless."

The pastor was arrested and indicted on charges of raping or molesting nine female believers at the church and his home from 1989 until recently, and was sentenced to eight years in prison in the first trial. It is reported that he committed the crimes by consoling believers who refused molestation, saying, "It's done with God's love, so it's okay."

Notably, one of the victims was 15 years old at the time of the crime in 2009, and there are cases where a mother and daughter were molested. The appellate trial sentencing hearing for Pastor A is scheduled for 10 a.m. on August 14.