Toledo pastor Cordell Jenkins gets life in prison on child sex trafficking charges
Ohio pastor Cordell Jenkins is one of three religious leaders accused of raping teenage girls from 2014 through 2017. Jenkins and the other two pastors, Anthony Haynes and Kenneth Butler, had previously all pleaded guilty to a variety of sex crimes which included conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking, child exploitation and obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation.
On May 17, Jenkins was sentenced in a federal courtroom to the maximum sentence of life in prison, according to The New York Post.
Jenkins repeatedly sexually exploited one of those minor children at his home, at his office at Abundant Life Ministries and at a motel in Toledo, Ohio. He paid her and referred to the payment as “hush money.” He often recorded these interactions with his cellular telephone, according to court documents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio
“Adults in a position of trust taking advantage of children for their own sexual gratification is beyond reprehensible,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “These defendants are a stark reminder that human trafficking can be hidden in plain view. Law enforcement, in partnership with our communities, must remain vigilant in protecting our children.”
Right up to his sentencing, Jenkins denied any responsibility for his actions, sticking to the story that he thought the 14-year-old girl he was raping was an adult. Prosecutors said that he paid his victims with money he gleaned from his church.
“There is never a time that I would set out intentionally, deliberately, or desire ever to have any type of relationship other than to love and nurture a minor. Ever. Ever, your Honor,” Jenkins pleaded. ~ per The Toledo Blade
Also on Friday, Pastor Kenneth Butler was sentenced to 17.5 years behind bars for his sex crimes against the minors. The third pastor, 40-year-old Anthony Haynes, will be sentenced in June. Haynes has already been convicted of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking, child exploitation and obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation.
See: Ohio Pastor Anthony Haynes found guilty of child sex trafficking and additional crimes against children
For more on the three Ohio pastors, see the video accompanying this article.
~ Written by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
Also see:
- Father of three-year-old girl who died in burning car charged with her murder
- Chaotic and potentially deadly broad daylight armed robbery caught on video
- Vero Beach employee at assisted living facility arrested for robbing elderly residents
- Wayne Arthur Silsbee: Alleged child rapist surrenders to police after 23 years in hiding
