By AVTOR
WBNS
August 18, 2008
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/08/18/williams.html?sid=102
DELAWARE, Ohio — A former pastor who admitted sexually abusing a teenage member of his congregation was sentenced Monday to eight years in prison.
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| Brian L. Williams |
Brian L. Williams, the former pastor of Sunbury Grace Brethren Church, pleaded guilty in June to charges of sexual battery.
The plea came after a 15-year-old girl accused Williams of raping her inside a church office.
The girl told investigators that the assault happened on March 6 when she went to see Williams to talk about her grades, 10TV's Maureen Kocot reported.
Before learning his sentence on Monday, Williams spoke directly to his victim, who was present in court.
"I want you to know that this crime was my fault," Williams said. "You did nothing wrong. I am the adult and the one who is guilty of the violation. I don't want you to blame yourself in any way."
Williams also apologized to the other members of the church.
"To the many people who trusted me as a pastor, I violated that trust," Williams said. "I'm sorry I disappointed you by my ugly, stupid, foolish behavior."
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