1024: Dennis W. Laferty – Republican Sexual Predators

Dennis Wayne Laferty has been a United Methodist pastor at six churches in Ohio since 2014. That may seem like a lot but five were part-time so it is not an indication of problem pastors being relocated. In March 2023, he was indicted sexually abusing one or more victims. The indictment is for five counts of sexual battery (felony), one count of gross sexual imposition with a victim under 13 (felony) , and one count of sexual imposition with a victim 13 or older but under 16 (misdemeanor). This is alleged to have happened between Nov. 30, 2019, and Jan. 30, 2023.

A former member of the church told the local paper that the church has been aware for years. A law enforcement source said they learned about the abuse from a church member who was upset with the way the church was handling it. The police believe there may be more victims.

He was suspended from the church and had to move from the parsonage. He admitted during questioning that he engaged in illegal sexual conduct and has a prior conviction for a drug offense so bail was set at $100,000 despite his lawyer asking for personal recognizance because of his “lack of criminal history.”

He pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for July 24, 2023

In June, he pleaded guilty. At sentencing, he asked for no jail time, a request endorsed by his victims who are two of his daughters. The prosecutor asked for eight years. The judge sentenced him to just three years. When a predator offends against family and is imprisoned, the family is financially punished as well as suffering the injury. It’s sad, but I agree with the prosecutor, he’s not a changed man. He’s just been found out.

You can follow the case at Geauga Courts, Case No 23C000043