‘Pedophile pastor tells stunned churchgoers he had sex with underage boys during hushed sermon’
John Martin is said to have made the shocking admission during a sermon late last month. He's since been arrested and charged with serious child sex crimes
A pedophile pastor told a church full of stunned worshippers that he’d had sex with underage boys during his sermon, police say.
John Martin, 41, reportedly made the shocking admission while preaching at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama, on June 23.
He announced his resignation from his job at the same time, with church officials immediately notifying police of what Martin had said.
Martin was arrested on June 28 and charged with four counts of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 16, according to the Times Daily.
Those charges relate to one victim under the age of 16, with police appealing for the other children Martin alluded to to come forward.
It is unclear what prompted him to share his alleged crimes.
Lauderdale County Chief Assistant District Attorney Angie Hamilton, who will prosecute Martin’s case, said they were trying to establish how many children Martin may have abused.
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She added: ‘He abruptly resigned at the church during Sunday morning services and made some admissions during that resignation.
‘We’re still talking with people.
‘We obviously, with this gentleman’s position, believe he had contact with and access to young people in the area, as well as in other areas and other states.
‘If he does make bond, he will be secured on an ankle monitor and will not be able to have contact with children, or any victims associated with the case.’
Martin worked at the Lighthouse Baptist Church for around nine years, and was active within the religious community for ‘many more years’ before that, Hamilton said.
The suspected pervert is being held in Lauderdale County Jail in lieu of $60,000 bond.
He faces 10 years in jail for each charge he is convicted of, Al.com reported.