Nine Female Worshippers Sexually Assaulted and Molested by Pastor Sentenced to 12 Years in Appeal Trial

Mr. A Claims "It Was Consensual Sexual Intercourse" and Pleads Not Guilty

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hong Jae-hee] A pastor in his 60s, Mr. A, who sexually assaulted and molested female church members for several years while conducting pastoral activities at a church in Iksan, Jeonbuk, was sentenced to a heavier penalty in the appellate court than in the first trial.

On the 14th, the 1st Criminal Division of the Jeonju Branch of the Gwangju High Court overturned the original sentence of 8 years in prison and sentenced Mr. A (64, male), who was indicted on charges of rape and forced molestation, to 12 years in prison in the appellate trial.

The court also ordered Mr. A to complete an 80-hour sexual violence treatment program and imposed a 5-year employment restriction on child and youth-related institutions and welfare facilities for the disabled.

Mr. A, who served as a pastor for 30 years, is accused of raping two female believers seven times at the church and a villa from 2013 to 2018.

He also habitually molested seven female believers from 2013, and it was confirmed that two of the victims were minors at the time.

The police secured victim statements through intelligence and launched an investigation. The investigation revealed that Mr. A committed a total of 23 offenses from 2009 to 2018, but many of the crimes were excluded from the indictment due to the statute of limitations.

While committing sexual crimes against believers, Mr. A reportedly said, "I am God's representative," and "You must do this to receive blessings, and if you disobey, your children will suffer from illnesses as punishment."

Mr. A, who was detained on charges of rape, has claimed innocence, stating that the sexual relations were consensual.

After being detained and indicted on charges of habitual rape or molestation of nine female believers and receiving an 8-year prison sentence in the first trial, Mr. A appealed on grounds of factual error and unfair sentencing.

The court stated, "The defendant committed planned and repeated crimes against female believers who had absolute faith, yet denies the charges and shows no remorse. No evidence sufficient to overturn the first trial's judgment has been submitted, and due to the lack of remorse, a very severe punishment is necessary."