A Tennessee pastor has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of raping a 5-year-old girl, while his wife was found guilty of helping facilitate the abuse. Benjamin Garlick, 35, received the life sentence on aggravated rape charges following a two-week trial in Rutherford County.
Convictions and Sentencing Details
Benjamin Garlick was convicted of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor, and other child protection violations. According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, Judge Barry Tidwell sentenced Garlick to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on the aggravated rape convictions. Sentencing on the remaining convictions is scheduled for November 10.
His 32-year-old wife, Shaantal Garlick, was convicted of two counts of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect. She is also scheduled to be sentenced on November 10.
Investigation and Arrest Timeline
The investigation began in August 2023 after police received reports concerning the sexual abuse of a 5-year-old child. Investigators later identified two additional victims and determined that Shaantal had knowingly neglected a child and assisted in the abuse, authorities said. The couple were arrested in September 2023 and were later reindicted by a Rutherford County grand jury in March 2024.
Pastor's Ministry Background and Police Appeal
Police said Benjamin had spent several years travelling across the United States as a minister, primarily working with the Hispanic community. He was also involved with La Espada, a Murfreesboro-based ministry for Spanish speakers. Following the convictions, police urged anyone with information about the case, particularly members of the Hispanic community who may have been affected, to come forward.
