Former Church Pastor Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing a Child

WWNY
March 24, 2015

http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Former-Church-Pastor-Pleads-Guilty-To-Sexually-Abusing-A-Child-297415171.html


The former senior pastor of Smithville Baptist Church has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a young girl.

Thomas Wilson of 20560 Weaver Road in Watertown was arrested in January on a felony count of first-degree sexual abuse and a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child.

The 63 year old pleaded guilty in Jefferson County Court to first-degree sexual abuse.

Wilson is expected to receive ten years probation when he's sentenced May 27.

It's also expected that he will be required to register with the state as a sex offender.

Wilson was accused of having sexual contact with a nine year old girl in the village of Sackets Harbor during the spring or summer of 2008.

Trooper Jack Keller, Troop D spokesman, told 7 News in January that Wilson was a friend of the girl's family.

Keller said the girl's father notified state police after learning some details about what allegedly happened.

Keller confirmed the incidents happened behind the former Lake Ontario Playhouse..

Keller said it did not appear the incident was connected to Wilson's duties with the church.

Wilson is no longer listed as a pastor on the church's web site.