Pastor Shifflett to be sentenced today

And who is Pastor Shifflett? A Baptist pastor who stole money from his church, or something akin to stealing. I'm not really sure.

The Rev. Charles V. Shifflett, 57, could face more than 300 years in prison and $52,500 in fines for obtaining money by false pretenses, tax fraud and filing false workmans compensation claims.

Source: Shifflett to be sentenced today

Shifflett hit my radar because of his previous conviction.

In December 2006, he was convicted of one felony for cruelty to children and six misdemeanors of assault and battery against children who attended Calvary Baptist in the 1980s and ’90s.

300 years was the maximum  sentence.  He was sentenced to 4 years in prison today. A witness had this to say.

I was passing by the courthouse after the sentencing and saw a group of 30-40 people outside.  I was appauled at their behavior.  From their foul language to the threats against others for what happened today, it shows their true colors.  No, these threats of “Better watch their backs” weren’t made by the people accusing him of these crimes, they were made by his followers.  The same followers who have taken a sip of his Kool-Aid and continued onto to his new church.  What does this tell you about his congregation?  For me, it shows the hate and anger he taught, and not the true meaning of the Bible.

It sounds like a typical divided Baptist church build up around a central powerful pastor. When the church splits, or when the pastor is threatened, the troops attack anyone who dares to have a different opinion. They become attack sheeple.

Technorati tags: Charles Shifflett, Baptist, ClergyAbuse, Hypocrisy