Dennis Laferty, 37, the Thompson United Methodist Church pastor, was indicted on Friday for committing sex crimes involving minors.
MSN reported that Laferty faces seven sexual abuse charges.
The report said the charges include 'five counts of sexual battery, all third-degree felonies; one count of gross sexual imposition, a third-degree felony; and one count of sexual imposition, a third-degree misdemeanor.'
Laferty's Sex Abuse Charges
Prosecutor James Flaiz of Geauga County, Ohio, has announced that Dennis Laferty has been indicted for sexual abuse of a minor, allegedly committed between Nov. 30, 2019, and Jan. 30, 2023.
Flaiz stated the maximum sentence for each third-degree offense is five years in prison.
According to MSN, police arrested Laferty on March 10 in Crawford County. He is currently detained at the Geauga County Jail while his trial date is being set.
The allegations led to Laferty's suspension, verified in a statement released by the Thompson United Methodist Church.
Per the statement, the congregation has clarified that they are aware of serious charges against Laferty. They also assured everyone they take the situation seriously and are cooperating with the authorities.
Meanwhile, Thompson UMC requests prayers for the church and the community for fair justice.
Clergy Sexual Abuse in the US
The Associated Press revealed that around 1,700 priests and clergy members allegedly abused minors. They believe these clergies are hiding from the authorities and still doing it.
Accordingly, Roman Catholic dioceses across the U.S. have campaigned to publicize the identities of credibly accused priests. The AP report said the campaign had shown the formidable task of monitoring and tracking priests who were never criminally convicted and often left the church to live as private individuals.
The AP report added that dioceses and religious organizations have so far publicized the names of over 5,100 clergy members. They also found that 2,000 accused priests are still alive.
Aside from that, hundreds of priests had access to children and were in trusted positions. More than 160 people kept their jobs or volunteer commitments at religious institutions and churches of various faiths.
About Thompson UMC
Thompson United Methodist Church members are encouraged to share their faith in action and serve others to put their beliefs into practice.
Some of the methods they use to accomplish their objectives are displayed in the ministries they established. They also welcome prayer requests and are eager to provide visits to the sick and housebound.
This church, representing the importance of God in the lives of its members, is located in the geographic center of Thompson. They believe it is only fair to open their doors to the public.
Anyone can easily join one of the many groups that meet here at various times throughout the week.
Thompson Square Community Theater
Like the Thompson United Methodist Church, the Thompson Square Community Theater welcomes people of all ages and from all surrounding communities.
The website states that all those who try out for a role are guaranteed one, as it is a no-cut community theater.
As a bonus, they pick plays with upbeat messages to attract people to the church who might not otherwise come.
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