Sunday faculty trainer discovered responsible of raping women at Benson church sentenced to 87 years in jail :: WRAL.com

Benson, N.C. — A former Sunday faculty trainer from Johnston County was sentenced Monday to a minimal of 87 years in jail.

A jury discovered Jonathan Younger, 38, of Benson, responsible on a number of counts of rape, sexual offense and indecent liberties with kids.

In accordance with the district lawyer’s workplace, the crimes concerned three kids, and most befell at Firstborn Baptist Church in Benson. The incidents occurred between 2003 and 2014, and the youngest sufferer was 7 years previous when she was molested, investigators mentioned.

At Younger’s trial, the jury heard testimony from two further witnesses who had been sexually abused as younger kids.

Women who grew up on the church alleged years of sexual abuse by Younger, misconduct that some former church members say church leaders knew about however did nothing to cease.

Church leaders instructed WRAL Information in 2018 there was no coverup.

“I am heartbroken by all of it as a result of it is unbelievable,” mentioned Pastor Durwood Younger. “I hate it and I do not know what else to say about it.”

Durwood Younger mentioned he first heard concerning the allegations in 2014 from the sheriff’s workplace, however no prices had been filed at the moment.

“The investigation was dropped so far as I do know,” Durwood Younger mentioned. “That is the way in which I perceive it.”

The church chief described Jonathan Younger as a “mannequin worker.”

“I feel you might exit right here locally and discover individuals who had been completely devastated,” Durwood Younger mentioned.