A Tennessee pastor has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after a jury convicted him of multiple child sex crimes. His wife was also convicted of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and aggravated child neglect. The case began with an investigation into the abuse of a 5-year-old and later expanded to include two additional victims. The couple had previously traveled across the country through a ministry focused largely on Spanish-speaking communities.
| 1) | Convictions and sentences in Rutherford County |
| 2) | Investigation identified three child victims |
| 3) | Ministry activities contrasted with criminal case |
| 4) | Arrests, reindictment and appeals for information |
| 5) | Custody status and remaining proceedings |
Convictions and sentences in Rutherford County
Benjamin Garlick, 35, was convicted after a two-week trial in Rutherford County Circuit Court. The jury found him guilty of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor and two violations of Tennessee’s Child Protection Act.
Judge Barry Tidwell sentenced Garlick to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the aggravated rape convictions. Sentencing on his remaining convictions is scheduled for Nov. 10. His wife, Shaantal Garlick, 32, was convicted of two counts of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect. She is also scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10.
Investigation identified three child victims
The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Special Victims Unit opened the investigation in August 2023 after receiving information about the sexual abuse of a child who was 5 years old at the time. Police said the abuse had taken place over several years, although the public case information did not provide a more detailed timeline.
As detectives examined the allegations, they identified two additional victims. Investigators also concluded that Shaantal Garlick knowingly neglected a child in a manner that affected the child’s health and welfare and assisted in the sexual abuse. The investigation and prosecution involved the Child Protective Investigative Team, which works with law enforcement on child abuse cases.
“The children of Rutherford County are safer because of the compassion, dedication, and commitment each member of the CPIT Team brings to their roles every day,” lead investigator James Wilkinson said after the convictions.
Ministry activities contrasted with criminal case
Before the criminal case, Benjamin Garlick was known for traveling as a minister, with much of his work directed toward Hispanic communities. Police said he and his wife traveled throughout the country. Publicly available ministry material described his involvement with La Espada, a Murfreesboro-based organization serving Spanish speakers.
Archived biographies described the ministry as a multigenerational family effort. The material said La Espada was founded by Rolando Garlick, the pastor’s grandfather, and that Benjamin Garlick worked under the direction of his late father, Daniel Garlick, by at least 2015. His biography said he began traveling with his father as a child and later became an evangelist. Shaantal Garlick wrote that she met him at a youth conference at age 18 and intended to serve full time alongside her husband.
Arrests, reindictment and appeals for information
Police arrested both defendants in September 2023 as the investigation continued. A Rutherford County grand jury reindicted the couple in March 2024, according to investigators. The expanded case reflected the identification of additional victims after the original inquiry began.
During the investigation, detectives urged anyone with relevant information to contact authorities. They specifically encouraged potential victims and people in the Hispanic community to come forward. Police said the request was intended to help investigators determine whether other children had been affected.
Custody status and remaining proceedings
Shaantal Garlick had been free on bond during the proceedings but was taken into custody after the verdict. Both defendants are being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. The life sentence imposed on Benjamin Garlick applies to the aggravated rape convictions, while the other counts remain subject to further sentencing.
The convictions followed the presentation of evidence during the two-week trial. Authorities credited the investigative team and child protection partners with pursuing the case and ensuring that the victims’ accounts were heard in court.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Benjamin Garlick was convicted of multiple child sex crimes and sentenced to life without parole on aggravated rape convictions. |
| 2 | The investigation began in August 2023 over alleged abuse of a 5-year-old and later identified two additional victims. |
| 3 | Shaantal Garlick was convicted of facilitating aggravated rape of a child and aggravated child neglect. |
| 4 | The couple had traveled nationally through a ministry focused largely on Spanish-speaking communities. |
Summary
The case ended with a life sentence for Benjamin Garlick and convictions against Shaantal Garlick following an investigation that expanded from one reported child victim to three. Authorities said the convictions hold both defendants accountable for offenses uncovered during the inquiry, while additional sentencing proceedings remain pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was convicted in the case?
Benjamin Garlick and Shaantal Garlick were convicted of child abuse-related crimes in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
What sentence did Benjamin Garlick receive?
He received life in prison without the possibility of parole on his aggravated rape convictions. Sentencing on other convictions is scheduled for Nov. 10.
How many victims did investigators identify?
Police initially investigated the alleged abuse of one child and later identified two additional victims, for a total of three.
