Former Thompson Pastor Pleads Guilty to Sex Crimes
Former Thompson Township pastor Dennis Laferty pleaded guilty last week to multiple sex offenses involving minors.
Former Thompson Township pastor Dennis Laferty pleaded guilty last week to multiple sex offenses involving minors.
Laferty, 37, of Tiro in Crawford County, entered his plea before Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge David Ondrey June 21 after the state moved to amend count one of his indictment from sexual battery to gross sexual imposition — a third-degree felony, according to court documents.
Of the seven-count indictment, the former pastor of Thompson United Methodist Church pleaded guilty to two violations of gross sexual imposition and sexual imposition, a third-degree misdemeanor. The other counts were dismissed.
There was no agreement as to sentencing and Ondrey turned the matter over to the probation department for a pre-sentence investigation and report.
Laferty could face up to 10 years in prison for the felony counts and up to 60 days in jail for the misdemeanor charge. Other consequences could include Laferty having to register as a Tier II sex offender and a mandatory five years of post-release control, according to the plea agreement.
Laftery, who until early March, had been living in a home trustees of the Methodist church own at 6724 Madison Road, was indicted March 10 and turned himself in in Crawford County, where he was living with his father.
A county grand jury found between Nov. 30, 2019, and Jan. 30, 2023, Laferty engaged in various acts of sexual misconduct with one or more minors
Laferty had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released from the Geauga County Safety Center March 16 after his father posted his bond.
He had told Ondrey he had been employed by the United Methodist Church for the last 10 years, and also admitted to a prior felony conviction 10 years ago that was sealed.
Laferty, a former staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, joined TUMC in July 2018 after serving three years as pastor at The United Methodist Church in Nevada, Ohio. He is married and has three daughters, according to his Facebook page.
The TUMC admin council posted the following message on its website:
“We have recently been made aware of very concerning allegations regarding Pastor Dennis Laferty. Please be aware that we are taking matters very seriously and allowing the appropriate authorities to take action. At this time, we ask that you pray for our church and community, and that answers may be brought in a just manner. Please know that we at Thompson United Methodist Church do not condone any form of harm to any person and we care for all our members. To ensure the protection of our congregation and community Dennis has been suspended as Pastor.
Law enforcement believed there may have been additional victims of Laferty. Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand asked anyone with information regarding the investigation to call Geauga County Department of Job and Family Services at 440-285-9141.
