UPDATE: Pastor at Kennesaw Church Convicted of Child Molestation

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Credit: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

The pastor of a church in Kennesaw has been convicted of two counts of child molestation and sentenced to prison, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

John Pinkston, 78, was arrested and charged with felony child molestation and felony sexual battery in August of 2013 after investigators claim he molested two young girls while at the Congregation Church of God Seventh Day located at 2751 S. Main St. in Kennesaw between the dates of July 17 and Aug. 22. One of the victims notified her parents and the parents contacted police.

During an interview with Kennesaw Police, Pinkston admitted he touched one of the girls, saying it was a “stupid mistake” that only lasted 15 seconds, the DA’s Office said.

“Not only did he not take responsibility, when he took the witness stand, he spit in everyone’s face with the nonsense that he used to try to manipulate that jury,” said ADA Chuck Boring, who prosecuted the case with ADA Jaret Usher.

“Mr. Pinkston, you’ve been convicted of the unforgiveable sin of molesting the most vulnerable members of your flock,” Cobb County Judge Robert D. Leonard said. “You’ve taken no responsibility whatsoever.”

Following Pinkston’s conviction, Leonard sentenced him to 20 years, with 10 to serve behind bars and the rest on probation.