After a pastor at a church in Kentucky raped a 14-year-old boy repeatedly, officials from the congregation said that the abuser was already a registered violent sex offender at the time of being hired as they believed that God had forgiven him for his sins.

Roy Neal Yoakem, who is 46-years-old, was arrested earlier this month on multiple charges of rape. Yoakem allegedly assaulted the minor once within the premises of New Gospel Outreach Church in Scottsville and again at his own house in Gallatin, Tennessee.

Gallatin Police learned of the incident on June 18 after the victim told investigators about the sexual abuse. According to records, Yoakem registered as a violent sex offender in 2005 after being convicted of second-degree sexual abuse of an 8-year-old boy.

“If (a convicted sex offender) has a secondary address or if they spend a certain amount of time a month in the state, they have to register here. So, his primary residence is in Kentucky, but the Gallatin residence is considered his secondary address,” read a statement from Gallatin Police Department.

Pastor Stephen Bratcher who also serves at the New Gospel Outreach Church said that he was shocked to learn of Yoakem’s conduct as the church had concluded that the previous allegations leveled against Yoakem were false.

“We’re firm believers in the Bible so if God’s forgiven you, then we’re in no position to treat you otherwise,” he said while asserting that he does not have the right to judge anyone.

Yoakem was extradited to Summer County Jail where he is currently being held on $250,000 bond.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia