Jury convicts pastor and wife in child sex crime case
A two-week trial has ended with a Rutherford County jury finding a traveling pastor and his wife guilty of child sex crimes.
Benjamin Garlick, 35, was found guilty of 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 on Monday, Aug. 17. His wife, Shaantal Garlick, 32, was convicted on two counts of facilitation of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect.
Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell sentenced Benjamin Garlick to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the aggravated rape charges. He will be sentenced on the remaining charges on Nov. 10. Shaantal Garlick's sentencing will also be held the same day.
“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,” said Detective James Wilkinson, lead investigator on the case. “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.”
The MPD Special Victims Unit launched the investigation into Benjamin Garlick on Aug. 15, 2023, concerning the sexual abuse of a then five-year-old child over several years. During the investigation, two additional victims were identified. It was also determined that Shaantal Garlick knowingly neglected the victim, affecting the child’s health and welfare, and assisted in the commission of the sexual abuse.
Benjamin Garlick remains at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center awaiting his next sentencing hearing. Shaantal Garlick, who was out on bond, was taken into custody following the verdict and is now housed at the county jail.
