KEN ADKINS TRIAL: Prosecutors say controversial Jacksonville-area pastor watched teens have sex
Georgia pastor Ken Adkins, convicted earlier this month of allowing teens to have sex while he watched, was sentenced Monday morning to 35 years in prison.
Adkins, 57, will serve life on probation after serving the 35 year sentence.
#Adkins sentenced to 35 years on ag child molestation w/ life on probation. Adkins is in his late 50's. He will be close to 90 when released
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Prosecutors said Adkins was sexually involved with teenagers he met through church. Allegations of sexual molestation surfaced after one of the teenage boys joined the military.
The state says the young man, now in his 20s, told police he had been molested by Adkins.
“He would let them use his locations his office, his house, his cars, places where they could have sex, where he could watch," prosecutor Katie Gropper told the jury.
Adkins had been held without bail in a Georgia jail since August 2016. At one point, Adkins solicited $10,000 for his defense from his congregation via a Facebook post.
NEW THIS MORNING: Controversial #Brunswick pastor accused of multiple sex crimes involving children is asking the community for $10,000. pic.twitter.com/dm3utDV1FU
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) February 1, 2017
Adkins said Tuesday that he was ready to face his sentence.
He said he would not allow this moment in his life to define him.
Ken Adkins to be sentenced this morning, earlier this month he was found guilty on 8 child molestation charges @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/2z2AMbxil5
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Adkins brought into the courtroom shackled in a green jail uniform.@ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Victim impact statement from AJ @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
State looking for court to consider Adkins as a repeat offender in sentencing. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Gough says out of state convictions should not be entered. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
State looking to enter past convictions @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Gough, Adkins lawyer objecting on recidivist notice. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
State asking Adkins be sentenced to life in prison @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Had a recess, judge is back, Adkins brought back in @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Impact statement by AJ will be read by State Prosecutor Katie Gropper @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
"Throughout this time I have felt shame or guilt... constantly depressed." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
A.J." I felt like if I said anything I would betray him, he was the closest thing to a father I had." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
State asking for life on ag child molestation counts. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
State asking any sentence imposed followed by lifetime on probation and no contact with victims @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Gough addressing Adkins former criminal history says Adkins is a different person. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Adkins wife, Stormy is not in the courtroom. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Gough explaining AJ admitted everything that happened sexually was consensual. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Adkins to speak
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
"As a former crack addict I thought beating drugs was the toughest thing I had to face. " @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Adkins says he and his wife did a lot for the community @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Says he is not going to allow this moment in his life to define him @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Says he did not do what he is convicted of, "I am ready to face what the court sentences." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Judge sentencing @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Judge sentencing @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Adkins sentenced to life on probation after serving 35 years @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
Adkins essentially will spend the rest of his life in prison because of his age. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
#Adkins sentenced to 35 years on ag child molestation w/ life on probation. Adkins is in his late 50's. He will be close to 90 when released
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) April 25, 2017
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