Pastor Pleads Guilty to Sex Abuse

The Charleston Gazette
January 7, 2014

http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201401060062

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A local church pastor and former Kanawha County Schools employee pleaded guilty Monday to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.

Johnnie Franklin Winnell, 60, of Gypsum Lane, pleaded guilty in front of Kanawha Circuit Judge James Stucky to a single count of sexual abuse by a guardian. Winnell had originally been charged with sexual abuse by a guardian and first-degree sexual abuse.

The 14-year-old girl told authorities last year that Winnell had touched her sexually on at least two occasions while the girl was at Winnell's home. Winnell is pastor at United Gospel Mission on Charleston's West Side and worked for the Kanawha County Schools transportation office.

Winnell faces up to five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 10.