SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A former pastor has avoided a lengthy stretch in prison and will instead serve nine days in jail for inappropriately touching four women while training for a new career as a massage therapist.
Minnehaha County Judge Eric Johnson on Friday handed down a suspended sentence for Patrick Anderson, who reached a plea deal with prosecutors last year, admitting to fourth-degree rape and sexual contact without consent.
SFSD preps for remote day as weekend storm looms
But the Johnson says he came close to tossing out that plea deal based upon what Anderson said after admitting his guilt.
Anderson asked for the judge’s mercy during his sentencing hearing saying he takes responsibility for the crimes he committed. But the Johnson questioned Anderson’s sincerity and said he nearly rejected a plea deal because Anderson said during a pre-sentence evaluation that he didn’t do anything wrong and that the victims “banded together and had it out for him.”…