OREGON
Argus Observer
PAYETTE — A former youth pastor has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to sexual battery.
Forest Rueben Gibson, 34, was a youth pastor in Canyon County when a teenage girl there made allegations against him. While investigating her claims, Canyon County Sheriff’s Detective Shawn Becker heard from a second victim in Payette County.
Gibson met the second girl at church camp, according to information from Barbara “Bobbi” Richart, chief deputy prosecuting attorney in Payette County. Gibson pleaded guilty to sexual battery against that girl — who, because she is a minor, is not being named — in District Court Jan. 9.
The battery took place on or about Feb. 23 through April 8, 2014, according to court documents. Gibson was arrested April 28.
At his sentencing, the first victim addressed the court and Gibson, Richart said. The girls said that because of his position with the church, she had trusted him.
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