Source: Fox News
Introduction
A Tennessee pastor and his wife, who spent years traveling the country to evangelize within the Hispanic community, have been convicted of heinous crimes following a disturbing investigation into child abuse. Benjamin Garlick, 35, and his spouse, 32-year-old Shaantal Garlick, now face the consequences of a systemic pattern of violence against minors that remained hidden behind their public ministry.
The case, which shocked the community of Rutherford County, concluded with a jury finding Benjamin Garlick guilty of multiple counts of aggravated rape and sexual battery. As the public learns more about how the couple used their religious platform to facilitate these acts, the legal system has moved to ensure they are held accountable for the lasting trauma inflicted upon their victims.
What Happened
The legal proceedings against the couple culminated this week in a Tennessee courtroom, where a jury delivered guilty verdicts for both defendants. Benjamin Garlick was found guilty of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of soliciting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and two violations of the state's Child Protection Act.
Shaantal Garlick was also found culpable for her role in the abuse. She was convicted on two counts of facilitating the aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect. Following the delivery of the verdict, she was taken into custody by law enforcement and is currently being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center alongside her husband.
Background
The investigation into the couple began in August 2023, when the Special Victims Unit of the Murfreesboro Police Department initiated a probe into the abuse of a five-year-old child. As detectives expanded their search, they uncovered evidence of abuse occurring over several years and identified two additional victims impacted by the couple's actions.
Public records and archival data indicate that the couple was deeply involved in La Espada, a religious ministry based in Murfreesboro that catered to Spanish-speaking populations. Digital traces, including videos and images preserved online, show that the ministry was founded by the elder Rolando Garlick and subsequently directed by the late Daniel Garlick before Benjamin Garlick took an active role around 2015.
| Legal Detail | Status / Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Offender | Benjamin Garlick (35) |
| Facilitator | Shaantal Garlick (32) |
| Initial Investigation Start | August 2023 |
| Arrest Date | September 2023 |
| Reindictment Date | March 2024 |
| Conviction Date | October 2024 (Monday) |
| Upcoming Sentencing | November 10, 2024 |
Timeline
The progression of this case highlights the diligent efforts of the Murfreesboro Police Department to secure justice for the victims. The timeline of the legal process reflects the severity of the charges and the thoroughness of the judicial investigation.
- August 2023: The Murfreesboro Police Department opens an investigation into child sexual abuse.
- September 2023: Benjamin and Shaantal Garlick are arrested by local authorities.
- March 2024: A Rutherford County grand jury issues a formal reindictment of the couple.
- October 2024: A two-week trial concludes with a jury finding both defendants guilty on all counts.
- November 10, 2024: Scheduled date for the sentencing of remaining convictions and the sentencing of Shaantal Garlick.
Key Details
Benjamin Garlickās ministry took him and his wife across state lines, with online records showing their presence in Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, and Texas. Throughout his career, he presented himself as a dedicated evangelist, a path he claimed to have pursued since childhood under the guidance of his father.
Shaantal Garlick similarly maintained a public persona centered on her religious calling. She documented that she met her husband at a youth conference at age 18 and committed her life to serving alongside him within the La Espada ministry to reach the Hispanic community with the Gospel.
Impact
The Murfreesboro Police Department has emphasized the importance of the Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) in bringing the case to a close. Detective James Wilkinson, the lead investigator on the matter, expressed gratitude toward the team for their commitment to ensuring the victims' voices were heard.
The investigation also served as a call to action for the community. Detectives actively encouraged potential victims, particularly those within the Hispanic community, to come forward if they had information regarding the couple's conduct. Officials noted that the safety of the children in Rutherford County remains a primary objective following the removal of these offenders from society.
What Happens Next
While the jury has already delivered their verdict, the legal process is not yet fully concluded. Benjamin Garlick has already received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for his aggravated rape convictions.
However, both defendants are scheduled to return to court on November 10. During this session, Benjamin Garlick will be sentenced for the remainder of his convictions, and the court will determine the final sentencing for Shaantal Garlick regarding her role in the facilitation and neglect charges.
