Rockford Register Star
January 28, 2009
http://www.rrstar.com/communities/x1278521232/Former-pastor-sentenced-to-8-years-for-sex-crimes
MACHESNEY PARK —
A pastor who pleaded guilty to sex charges involving two female minors has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Jonathon Christopher Powell, 40, former senior pastor at New Hope Baptist Church, pleaded guilty Monday to criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, for which he received a five-year and three-year sentence, respectively.
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| Jonathon Christopher Powell, 40, has left New Hope Baptist Church, according to the church's Web site. |
The sentences will be served consecutively, said Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato.
The charges stem from his sexual relationships with the 15- and 13-year-old girls. Powell was arrested in May and has been held in the Winnebago County Jail since. He will be credited with more than 200 days served.
Bruscato said the sentences were fair.
"We believe justice was done, and the sentences the court issued were appropriate," he said.
Upon his release, Powell will be required to register as a sex offender.
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