Thursday, April 10, 2008

Pastor of The Church goes down for 25 years

Remember Pastor Robbin Leeroy Harper? No - don't worry, he will soon be forgotten.

A former Southworth-area pastor faces 26 1/2 years in prison for rape and child molesting.

Defense lawyers and Kitsap County prosecutors had recommended 23 1/4 years for 60-year-old Robbin Leeroy Harper. Instead, Superior Court Judge Jay B. Roof chose the maximum under the standard sentencing range Wednesday.

Harbor was pastor of The Church, a nondenominational congregation with about 60 members in South Colby, when he was arrested in November. Ten women and girls 7 to 24 years old said he molested or raped them. The church is now defunct.

Harper pleaded guilty in February to seven felony counts and a misdemeanor.

Before being sentenced, he said he was ashamed and wanted to plead guilty from the outset.

Source: Local News | Southworth-area ex-pastor gets 25 years for rape, child molesting | Seattle Times Newspaper