The reasoning behind allowing the relationship was that Mary was younger that Joseph, so “how could they be against God’s will?”
Hoover said he was unaware of any sexual activity between his youth pastor and the underaged church member, saying, “There was not to be dating or kissing until she came of legal age.”
Shapiro wrote, “The defendant used his power and authority in his religious community to lie, manipulate and regularly abuse a young girl in his community. I promised we would hold anyone who was abusing children accountable—and Robert Fenton is no exception. Survivors experience a lifetime of anguish and trauma trying to overcome the impact of abuse. I want survivors to know—we believe you, and we will not let predators get away with the sexual assault of children.”
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According to Shapiro’s report, the now 52-year-old Fenton is currently serving as a pastor for a church in the Queensland area of Australia. The Office of Attorney General is seeking Fenton’s extradition in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Justice.
Fenton has been charged with statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, and related charges.
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