Former Ashton Pastor to Serve 10 Years behind Bars, by Megan Boatwright, Local News 8, May 27, 2009

Former Ashton Pastor to Serve 10 Years behind Bars

By Megan Boatwright
Local News 8
May 27, 2009

http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10426948&nav=menu554_2

A former Ashton pastor received 10-25 years in prison Tuesday for molesting a 15 year-old boy. 48-year-old Ruben Floyd pleaded guilty to one count of lewd conduct with a minor in March.

Floyd was pastor of the Ashton Bible Church and has worked as a substitute teacher. According to the prosecution Floyd used both positions to groom young men for sexual exploitation.

District Judge Gregory W. Moeller said he is greatly disturbed by the case. One instance of abuse actually occurred at Floyd's church.

In one of his first big cases since taking the bench District Judge Gregory W. Moeller handed down a firm sentence to a man he believes to be a sexual predator.

Ruben Floyd had recently started the Ashton Bible Church at the time of his arrest. The prosecution says he started 'Sexting' a 15-year-old boy early last year.

"There were numerous instances of sending graphic and pornographic images," said Chief Prosecutor Joette Lookabaugh. "With the boy who was the victim and other would-be victims."

Floyd had a lot to say before court. "I've watched and heard these kinds of cases my whole life on TV," he said. "I've always thought it was repulsive. I never thought it would happen to me, but here I stand."

Floyd pleaded with Judge Moeller saying he could be rehabilitated with the help of probation.

"I just ask that the court give me a chance to prove myself on probation," said Floyd. "I could really make a difference in my life."

Judge Moeller still sentenced him to at least 10 years behind bars.

"I don't want you to think for a second that this court is without compassion," the Judge said. "But based upon your record I think we could call you a predator. The fact that you had one victim and others were being lined up suggests that society needs to be protected."

The prosecution says they couldn't be more thrilled by the outcome.

"I can't tell you how much I respect this jurist action," said Lookabaugh. "It really showed guts."

"As the judge mentioned in his sentence, the state sets the guidelines," said Fremont County Sheriff Len Humphries. "Judge Moeller followed those and I thought he did a good job."

As part of his sentence Floyd will also have to register as a sex offender.

Since Floyd's arrest the small Ashton Bible Church congregation has dissolved.