A Tennessee pastor, Benjamin Garlick, 35, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl in Rutherford County.
Garlick was found guilty following a two-week trial of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor and other offences involving child protection.
The Murfreesboro Police Department said Rutherford County Judge Barry Tidwell imposed the life sentence on the aggravated rape convictions. Garlick is expected to return to court on November 10 for sentencing on his remaining convictions.
His wife, 32-year-old Shaantal Garlick, was also convicted in connection with the case. She was found guilty of two counts of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 10.
Investigation began in 2023
Authorities said the investigation started in August 2023 after police received reports concerning the sexual abuse of a 5-year-old child.
As detectives continued their investigation, they identified two additional victims. Investigators also concluded that Shaantal Garlick knowingly neglected a child and assisted in the abuse, according to police.
The couple were arrested in September 2023. A Rutherford County grand jury later reindicted them in March 2024 as the investigation and legal proceedings continued.
Pastor worked with Hispanic community
Police said Benjamin Garlick had spent several years travelling across the United States as a minister, with much of his work involving Hispanic communities.
He was also associated with La Espada, a Murfreesboro-based ministry serving Spanish-speaking people.
Following the convictions, the Murfreesboro Police Department encouraged anyone who may have information about the case or may have been affected by the alleged abuse to contact authorities.
Police particularly appealed to members of the Hispanic community who may have interacted with Garlick or have information relevant to the investigation.
The case remains subject to further sentencing proceedings for both Benjamin and Shaantal Garlick on November 10.
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