Former pastor sentenced for abuse
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A judge has sentenced a former Baker pastor to four years in prison for sexually abusing an 86-year-old woman in her home, according to the Alabama state attorney’s offi ce.
Jerry Hutcheson, who is in his early 50s, was working in Florala, Ala., as a letter carrier when he delivered a package to the woman in November 2004. While he was there, police in Alabama say he took the woman’s hand in his and placed it on her breast while his pants were unzipped.
“This defendant deserves to spend every day of his sentence in prison for a crime that was an appalling violation of human decency,” Alabama Attorney General Troy King said in a statement. “The victim in this case is a brave and honorable lady, and now her assailant faces justice for his despicable and perverted deed.”
Hutcheson was arrested Jan. 13, 2007, and pleaded guilty Oct. 22 to fi rst-degree sexual abuse.
He will be required to register as a sex offender, pay $3,000 in court costs and contribute $200 to the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Committee.
He was pastor at Red Oak Baptist Church in Baker.
He’s scheduled to appear in court Jan. 14 for a probation hearing.