Pastor Sentenced to 34 Years for Heinous Crimes
The Heredia Court has handed a 34-year prison sentence to a pastor for committing sexual crimes against a minor. Last November, in an attempt to overturn this judgment, the defendant’s lawyer appealed the decision, taking it further to casation.
The Controversial Appeal
The evangelical pastor’s defense lawyer made a shocking statement during the appeal process. He argued that the 55-year-old pastor from Heredia had a “normal sexual relationship” with the underage victim, contrary to the abusive relationship verdict determined by the Heredia Criminal Court.
On November 28, the pastor was found guilty of multiple charges: three counts of sexual abuse, one of aggravated rape, and another of attempted aggravated rape. The records indicate that the crimes occurred between 2011 and 2012, targeting a girl aged between 14 and 15. The victim and her family were regular attendees at the church led by the convicted pastor.
Details of the Crime
The court’s judgment (Case No. 14-002173-0369-PE) established that the pastor exploited the minor’s vulnerability, committing the crimes when they were alone. These incidents occurred both at the pastor’s residence and during a church trip to Limón.
Defense’s Bold Arguments Questioned
José Miguel Villalobos, the pastor’s attorney, took the case to the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Appeals in Alajuela. The defense focused on downplaying the acts, claiming that they weren’t necessarily abusive. He pinpointed specific actions, such as a kiss, arguing that they weren’t inherently harmful.
The defense attorney further argued that the pastor’s threats of self-harm weren’t necessarily linked to obtaining sexual favors, suggesting that the interactions were “normal.” The Appeal Court countered, emphasizing that the pastor’s position of authority and the trust he held played a crucial role in committing the crimes.
Other Points of Contention
The defense also raised issues with the trial court’s reliance on the victim’s testimony. They argued that some details she provided during the trial weren’t included in the original charges. However, the Appeal Court maintained that new details could emerge during a trial, helping clarify the events without altering the core facts.
Villalobos further suggested that the pastor’s alleged obsession with the victim was simply a “stereotype of masculine love.” He even questioned the authenticity of the victim’s statements and her continued association with the church and the pastor post the incidents.
The appellate judges responded firmly, stating that the young girl’s age and the pastor’s authority left her with little power to resist or escape. They pointed out that even the accused didn’t deny having “affections” for the victim.
Final Judgment Stands
Despite the bold defense, the Public Ministry emphasized the pastor’s intent for a “spiritual romance” with the minor. The higher court, recognizing the seriousness of the allegations and the evidence provided, firmly upheld the 34-year prison sentence.
