A former Northern Kentucky music pastor has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor.
Michael Howard, 37, of Burlington, was convicted of 28 counts of sexual abuse and one count of sodomy for grooming and abusing Timmy Goodman beginning when Goodman was 14 years old. Howard knew the family well and worked at Florence Baptist Temple.
Speaking in Boone County Circuit Court, Goodman said Howard would be remembered not for his musical talent, but as a sexual predator. The abuse was uncovered after a DUI arrest led to the discovery of incriminating messages.
Howard’s attorney said his client was remorseful, but Howard did not apologize to the victim or the court. Instead, he said, “This is horrible. I got caught up in something I never should have,” adding that “all of my sins, past, present, future… were covered by the blood of Jesus Christ,” according to WLWT5.
Howard also played in a Christian band that performed at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. He will be required to register as a sex offender after his release.
