Pastor To Face 30 Years In Prison For Assaulting 14 Years Girl
Hundreds to thousands of missionaries from Europe, the US, and other countries flood Africa for evangelism. This godly adventure is well respected by everyone. Missionaries gain a lot of respect and trust.
But for former Georgia pastor, Eric Tuininga —has abused his trust and respect by assaulting a young girl of 14 years. Tuininga is a 44 years old missionary of Milledgeville.
He has pleaded guilty to having sexual affair with a minor. On Wednesday, the federal court gave him a maximum of 30 years in prison followed by possible probation for life and a maximum $250,000 fine.
The story of Tuininga dates back to 2019 when he had illicit sexual conduct with a 14-year-old girl while doing missionary work in Uganda.
A little more detail about Tuininga reveals him as a US citizen affiliated with the U.S. based Orthodox Presbyterian Church. In March 2019, he was in Mbale, Uganda for the work of God.
While doing his missionary work, he had a relationship with a 14 years girl. Using her respected position, he abused the girl by having sex with her.
It baffles many Christians why men of God sometimes give in to temptation so easily. Now the consequences of this sinful act are very serious and shameful. He has already lost his dignity.
This sexual assault was reported to the U.S. Embassy Kampala American Citizen Service. Quickly they launched an investigation and found Eric Tuininga guilty. As he faced court on Wednesday, he admitted his crime.
According to sources, the U.S. Attorney, Peter D. Leary registered his disappointment by saying:
“Eric Tuininga used his trusted position as a pastor to sexually assault a young Ugandan girl in his care. This was a challenging case, but law enforcement worked diligently to ensure that Tuininga did not escape justice for his crime overseas.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our national and international law enforcement partners, will do everything in our power to catch child predators and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
He is waiting to hear an official prosecution on May 3rd. Then he will start his 30 years journey in prison. If he ever comes from prison he would have to register as a sex offender.
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