“We believe that we have a strong chance on appeal,” said Monica Lynch, Raymond’s daughter. “We’re glad that the judge saw some good qualities that led to somewhat of a lighter sentence.” Last week, Lynch posted to Facebook Matthew 5:44, about loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you.
Raymond’s wife and three adult children spoke at this week’s sentencing hearing, requesting mercy from the judge. The pastor also addressed the room, saying he regretted his actions and the pain he had caused.
Parents of students also spoke, describing the harm their children continue to suffer because of Raymond. Some indicated their kids now have trouble trusting grownups and people in positions of authority.
“Who does it?” asked Debbie Schimmeck, whose child’s mouth Raymond had covered. “It’s just unthinkable.” The mother added, “I’m very glad that justice is being served for the awful abuse that [Raymond] committed upon my child.”
Lakeside Christian Academy had previously defended Raymond’s actions, calling them “consistent with his role as the disciplinarian and…done in the best interest of everyone involved.”
After Thursday’s hearing, Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims said, “I respect the sentence; I respect the analysis.” Sims, a Republican, had rejected claims that he gave in to wokeness. “The law is the law,” he said last fall. “You can’t put your hands on kids that aren’t yours without a parent’s permission. It was a pastor’s duty to counsel, not suffocate, the child.”
Some parents of Raymond’s victims have filed a civil lawsuit against him. “We will pray that John will benefit from this humbling experience and become the religious and community leader that he wishes to be,” they said.
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When contacted by ChurchLeaders, Lakeside Christian Academy said it has no comment about Raymond’s sentencing. ChurchLeaders also reached out to New Horizon Church and will update this article with any reply.
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