A volunteer youth pastor in Texas has been sentenced to life for sexually assaulting teens at his church and using the bible to justify it.
One his victims was 13-years-old when Dell Ivan Godkin, 48, first started abusing her. This lasted until she turned 17, with Godkin telling her that God approved of what they were doing.
He even promised to stop molesting her by making a “deal” before she turned 17 on the condition that she wouldn’t tell anyone what had happened.
Members Of The Church Were Shocked By The Volunteer’s Actions, Describing Him As A Good Christian
Prosecutor Monica Cooper explains:
“He would say lots of things about God being okay with it … People were shocked when they heard that that’s how he controlled both of his victims. He is the scariest kind of child predator because he’s the kind that is sitting next to you in church, and he seems like the nicest guy.”
Godkin’s ex-wife took the stand during the trial to state that he had repeatedly beaten her throughout their 12 year marriage. She had even informed the pastor of the church but to no avail.
The District Attorney’s office said in a statement:
“One of the assaults occurred after she had gone to their pastor at church seeking help. By the time she arrived home, Godkin knew she had spoken to the pastor and beat her because of it.”
Despite being given a life sentence, the pastor will be eligible for parole in 2046 when he turns 78.
