MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) - A two-week trial has ended with a Rutherford County jury finding a traveling pastor and his wife guilty of multiple child sex crimes.
Benjamin Garlick, 35, was found guilty Monday, Aug. 17, of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of violating the Child Protection Act.
His wife, Shaantal Garlick, 32, was convicted of two counts of facilitation of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect.
Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell sentenced Benjamin Garlick to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the aggravated rape convictions. He is scheduled to be sentenced on the remaining charges Nov. 10. Shaantal Garlick is also scheduled to be sentenced that day.
“The Murfreesboro Police Department thanks all members of the Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) for their tireless work throughout this investigation and trial, ensuring the victims’ voices were heard and justice was served,” said Detective James Wilkinson, lead investigator in the case. “The children of Rutherford County are safer because of the compassion, dedication, and commitment each member of the CPIT Team brings to their roles every day.”
The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Victims Unit launched its investigation into Benjamin Garlick on Aug. 15, 2023, following allegations involving the sexual abuse of a child who was then 5 years old. Investigators determined the abuse had occurred over several years.
During the investigation, two additional victims were identified. Investigators also determined that Shaantal Garlick knowingly neglected a victim in a manner that affected the child’s health and welfare and facilitated the commission of the sexual abuse.
Benjamin Garlick remains incarcerated at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center while awaiting his next sentencing hearing. Shaantal Garlick, who had been free on bond, was taken into custody following the verdict and is now being held at the county jail. Read previous articles about the couple HERE.
PHOTO BELOW: (L to R) Benjamin Garlick, 35,and Shaantal Garlick, 32
