Murfreesboro police urge victims of traveling pastor to come forward in rape case
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Murfreesboro detectives are encouraging any potential victims to come forward in a child rape case involving a minister who reportedly preached across the country, including in Tennessee.
Benjamin Sean Garlick, 32, was arrested in September last year after being charged with several counts of aggravated rape and sexual battery. However, Murfreesboro Police said he was reindicted by a Rutherford County Grand Jury in March and now faces additional charges.
PREVIOUS: Traveling pastor facing child rape charges, indicted in Murfreesboro
The charges against him include seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of violation of the child protection act.
He was served with the indictment in jail, police reported. Authorities said Benjamin Garlick spent several years as a traveling minister and focused on connecting with the Hispanic community.
Following his arrest last year, News 2 reached out to a church that offers bilingual services in Lenoir City. The church said Benjamin Garlick had spoken there at least once a year.
CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee
He reportedly traveled with his wife, 30-year-old Shaantal Garlick, who is also facing more charges after being reindicted, including two counts of facilitation of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect.
She made bond last year and was rearrested last month after being served with the new indictment. However, as of Friday, April 12, authorities said Shaantal Garlick was already free again after posting another $75,000 bond.
Benjamin Garlick remains in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $825,000 bond. Both he and his wife are scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on the new charges on Monday, April 15.
⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com
The full number of victims, how the couple knew them, or when the alleged rapes occurred is still unclear. Special Victims Unit detectives are urging anyone, particularly those in the Hispanic community, who believes they could be a victim to come forward.
Potential victims can contact Detective James Wilkinson at 629-201-5612 or email 0846@murfreesborotn.gov.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
