WDAM.com Laurel-Hattiesburg, MS The Pinebelt's Choice For News, Sports and Weather | Ex-pastor admits to child sex charges in Smith County
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A former youth minister and pastor has pleaded guilty to one count of gratification of lust in Smith County Circuit Court, says District Attorney Eddie Bowen.
Ralph Hall was accused of sexually abusing his then 7-year-old grandson, Bowen said. Bowen said Hall entered the plea Thursday.
"It saves the family from having to go through the embarrassment and it prevents the kid from having to testify. That's always good because sometimes children don't know how to react to things like this," Bowen said Friday.
The maximum penalty for the felony conviction of gratification of lust is 15 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Bowen said Hall will be sentenced June 8.
