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Former youth minister sentenced in
boy's rape
2002-03-02
Tennessean.com
SPRINGFIELD — A
former youth minister was sentenced to eight years in prison
yesterday after he pleaded no contest to charges that he raped
one of his congregation's 13-year-old boys.
Anthony
Spain, 31, of Dreamland Drive in Greenbrier, had been
scheduled to go on trial Monday.
Circuit Judge Michael
Jones asked Spain if he understood what his no contest plea
meant.
''Yes, sir,'' Spain answered.
Before
his arrest, Spain had worked two years as a youth pastor at
the First Assembly of God Church, which was meeting at the
Robertson County Senior Citizens Center while a new church
building was under construction.
''I deeply regret
what has taken place and apologize for my conduct,'' Spain
said in a statement released by his attorney, Jeff Walker.
''I decided to not contest the charges brought against
me in order to spare each family and friend any further
hardship.
''I very much look forward to putting this
behind me and preparing myself to become a productive
contributor to society by being a true reflection of the God
of grace in this world. My prayers have been, and will always
remain, with all those involved.''
Spain was arrested
last June after the victim in the case told his parents that
he'd been assaulted by the youth minister while he spent the
night at Spain's home.
Investigators say the victim
told them that Spain fondled him and performed oral sex on
him.
Spain must serve 100% of his sentence with the
Tennessee Department of Correction, but could get as much as
15% knocked off that term for good behavior. He will be under
community supervision for life upon his release from prison
and will have to register as a sex offender.
Spain has
been jailed in lieu of $75,000 bond since his arrest last
year. He will be given credit for the 248 days he's been in
jail.
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