BishopAccountability.org
	Ex-Pastor Joshua Spires Sentenced in Abuse of Jay Teen Molested Girl Attended Church By Sheila Stogsdill The Oklahoman October 17, 2009 http://www.newsok.com/ex-pastor-joshua-spires-sentenced-in-abuse-of-jay-teen/ article/3409847?custom_click=pod_headline_crime JAY — A former Delaware County pastor was sentenced to 10 years in prison for molesting a 15-year-old girl who attended his church, a prosecutor said Friday. Joshua Spires, 28, of Odessa, Texas, pleaded guilty in Delaware County District Court on Tuesday to 10 counts of lewd molestation. Spires was sentenced to 10 years on each count and fined $10,000. All the sentences will run concurrently, said Bryce Lair, assistant district attorney. According to court records, the sexual assaults occurred every Sunday at the Jay church about an hour before services began. Spires will have to serve 8 1/2 years before he becomes eligible for early release, Lair said. The victim's family was consulted about the plea agreement, he said. As part of the plea agreement, Spires confessed in court to the sexual misconduct with the teenager, who once was in his youth group. The sexual relationship began in 2007 and lasted until Nov. 15, when the girl broke off the relationship, according to an affidavit. Both the victim and Spires told authorities the relationship was consensual. Oklahoma law states that a 15-year-old cannot consent to a sexual relationship.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.