October 13, 2026 | Tennessee, United States
A Tennessee evangelist who traveled across America preaching the Gospel has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, raising serious questions about accountability, child protection, and safeguarding within religious ministries.
Pastor Convicted of Multiple Child Sex Crimes
MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE — Benjamin Garlick, 35, a traveling pastor and evangelist, was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after a Rutherford County jury convicted him of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child.
Following a two-week trial, jurors also convicted Garlick of six counts of aggravated sexual battery, solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two violations of Tennessee’s Child Protection Act.
Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell imposed the life sentence following the August 17, 2026, verdict.
Investigation Reveals Additional Victims
The Murfreesboro Police Department launched its investigation on August 15, 2023, following allegations involving a child who was five years old at the time.
Authorities reported that the abuse had occurred over several years. Investigators subsequently identified two additional victims.
Garlick’s wife, Shaantal Garlick, 32, was also convicted of two counts of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect.
A Ministry That Crossed State Lines
According to investigators, Garlick traveled throughout the United States conducting religious ministry, primarily serving Hispanic communities.
His ministry activities extended beyond Tennessee, bringing him into contact with congregations across several states.
The case raises troubling questions about how religious organizations screen traveling ministers, investigate allegations, and protect vulnerable children.
However, authorities have not established that specific churches knowingly concealed Garlick’s crimes.
Additional Sentencing Scheduled
Both Benjamin and Shaantal Garlick are scheduled for additional sentencing proceedings on November 10, 2026.
Benjamin remains subject to sentencing on his remaining convictions, while his wife awaits sentencing following the jury’s verdict.
For Christian organizations, this case underscores the importance of transparent leadership, independent reporting procedures, and meaningful safeguards for children.
Religious authority must never place an individual beyond scrutiny or accountability.
Sources confirming the story:
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com
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