Tennessee pastor sentenced to life for child rape as wife awaits sentencing
A Tennessee minister received a life-without-parole sentence for multiple child-rape convictions, while his wife was found guilty of facilitating the abuse and will be sentenced later.
A jury in Rutherford County convicted Tennessee pastor Benjamin Garlick of seven aggravated child-rape counts, six aggravated sexual battery counts, solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two violations of the state Child Protection Act, leading Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell to impose a life-without-parole sentence. His wife, Shaantal Garlick, was found guilty of two facilitation of aggravated child rape counts and two aggravated child-neglect counts, with her sentencing scheduled for November 10.
The case originated in August 2023 when the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Victims Unit began probing the sexual abuse of a five-year-old, later revealing multiple victims and prolonged abuse. Investigators noted the couple’s extensive travel as ministers, primarily serving Hispanic congregations through the La Espada ministry, with ties to churches in Florida, Indiana, Minnesota and Texas. The police praised the Child Protective Investigative Team for their role in securing convictions. Both Garlicks are being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center pending further sentencing.
Why it matters
The convictions expose severe abuse within a religious ministry and underscore law enforcement's role in protecting vulnerable children.
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