Tennessee pastor sentenced to life for child rape

A Tennessee traveling pastor, Benjamin Garlick, 35, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole following his conviction for the aggravated rape of a child. A Rutherford County jury found Garlick guilty of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two violations of the Tennessee Child Protection Act.

Garlick’s wife, Shaantal Garlick, 32, was also convicted for her role in the abuse. She was found guilty of two counts of facilitation of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect. Investigators determined she knowingly neglected a victim in a manner that affected the child’s health and welfare while assisting in the abuse. Both individuals are scheduled for further sentencing on November 10 regarding remaining charges.

The investigation, launched by the Murfreesboro Police Department in August 2023, initially focused on the abuse of a five-year-old girl. As detectives continued their work, they identified two additional victims. Authorities stated the abuse had occurred over several years.