‘Worst kind of predator’: New Orleans pastor convicted for abusing teens: ‘used scripture to manipulate’

A jury has found Terry Reed, a 66-year-old suburban New Orleans pastor, guilty of sexually molesting two minors in a case that marks his third conviction for abusing teen boys. The verdict was reached quickly, with jurors deliberating for less than an hour.

Reed now faces a significant prison sentence, potentially up to 25 years for third-degree rape and between five and 40 years for the molestation charges. His sentencing is tentatively set for 18 June.

Per The Guardian, prosecutors revealed that Reed operated his ministry out of his own home in the Louisiana’s Terrytown community. During the trial, they detailed how he used biblical verses and scripture to manipulate, normalize and justify his sexual behavior. 

The court heard that Reed specifically targeted vulnerable teenagers who lacked father figures in their lives. Co-counsel Eric Cusimano described the gravity of the situation in court, stating that Reed “held himself out to be a saint” to his congregation and victims, but in reality “he is the worst kind of predator … that we can have”.

He already had two prior convictions! He should never have gotten close to kids again

The recent investigation began after a 16-year-old boy, who moved into Reed’s home due to a strained relationship with his mother, reported the abuse to authorities, leading to Reed’s arrest. Once that case came to light, a second victim stepped forward to report that he had endured similar abuse after moving into the pastor’s home in similar circumstances.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Reed’s defense shifted repeatedly. At the time of his 2023 arrest, he “readily admitted” that he was a sex offender. However, he later claimed that medical issues prevented him from performing sexually and asserted he had been celibate for a decade. He also attempted to argue that any sexual activity occurred after the victims had reached Louisiana’s legal age of consent, which is 17.

Unfortunately, Reed has a long history of similar offenses. He previously pleaded guilty to indecent behavior with a juvenile in 1997. He also pleaded guilty in 2017 to molestation of a juvenile. 

In that 2017 case, the office of Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick noted that Reed told the victim he had to submit to certain acts “to fight off demons”. Despite these previous guilty pleas, Reed received probation in both instances.

While these convictions paint a clear picture of his history, there are other dark chapters involving his home. In 2002, two boys, aged 12 and 13, died in a hot tub at Reed’s residence. 

Authorities determined the children were electrocuted. However, they were unable to classify the deaths as a homicide, suicide, accident, or natural event.

The case against Reed serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues regarding sexually abusive religious leaders across various denominations in the United States. Other recent high-profile cases include former Christian missionary Daniel Savala, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison in Texas, and Florida Pastor Johnathan Elwing, who received three life sentences for his crimes.