Florida Pastor Confesses to Sexual Battery of 11-Y-O Girl, Crime Was Committed Over 30 Years Ago
A Wimauma, Florida, pastor recently confessed to a crime he committed "30 to 40 years ago" that involved him having sexual intercourse with an 11-year-old girl.
Patrick H. Shiver, 72, admitted to having sex with the underage girl three decades ago during a controlled telephone call with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities revealed that Shiver confessed again during later interviews with deputies, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Shiver is an ordained pastor and attends Casa De Dios church in Wimauma.
His confession revealed that he also had sex with the girl multiple times when she was younger than 11, and again when she was between the ages of 14 and 17.
Shiver was arrested at home without any incident and is being charged with capital sexual battery.
He's being held without bond in the Orient Road Jail.
The Christian Post reached out to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, however, the department was unable to comment on an ongoing investigation.
Nehmias Velasquez, a fellow pastor at Casa De Dios, commented to WFLA on Shiver's situation.
"We are going to pray for him," he said. "I imagine he did these things when he didn't know the Lord. So the church will be praying for him."
Shiver had the title of pastor, but did not serve as one at Casa De Dios, according to Velasquez. He also told WFLA that Shiver came to the church several years ago and told them that he previously worked as a missionary.
"He and his wife started attending four years ago," Velasquez added. "They soon offered to help out with the church, and since then, they've been working very hard for us."
WFLA News Channel 8