MURFREESBORO (TN)
WZTV 9 [Nashville, TN]
August 19, 2026
By Sydney Keller
*WARNING: Details in this story are disturbing. Viewer discretion advised.*
A Rutherford County jury has found a traveling pastor and his wife guilty of child sex crimes after a two-week trial.
Benjamin Garlick, 35, was convicted on 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. The jury also found Shaantal Garlick, 32, guilty of two counts of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect.
CRIME NEWS | Lawsuit alleges older student repeatedly sexually abused 6-year-old on Kentucky school bus
Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell sentenced Benjamin Garlick to life in prison without parole for the aggravated rape charges. He will find out his punishment on the other charges Nov. 10, which is also the day Shaantal Garlick will be sentenced.
“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.” Detective James Wilkinson, lead investigator on the case, said. “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.”
Police first launched the investigation into Benjamin Garlick’s actions on Aug. 15, 2023, after allegations of sexual abuse against a 5-year-old that happened over several years. The investigation revealed two more victims were abused.
Police also found that Shaantal Garlick knowingly neglected the child, harming the child’s health and well-being, while assisting in the commission of the sexual abuse.
Benjamin Garlick will remain in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center waiting for his next sentencing hearing, while Shaantal Garlick, who was out on bond, is now in the county jail after her conviction.