Nationwide — Three pastors from Toledo, Ohio have officially been indicted on federal sex trafficking charges. Prosecutors say that they all worked together to entice underage girls with money in exchange for sex. All three men, Kenneth Butler, 37; Anthony J. Haynes, 38; and Cordell Jenkins, 47, have pleaded not guilty.
The US Attorney’s Office says that one of the pastors began grooming a 14-year-old girl for prostitution in 2014, and then introduced her to other men. All three pastors, however sexually assaulted her at one point or another at hotels and even at the Greater Life Christian Center in Toledo.
Mr. Haynes reportedly gave the girl money and told her not to tell anyone, saying it would ruin his family and his church.
Mr. Jenkins reportedly recorded the abuse with his cellphone and paid the girl with what he called “hush money,” and also allegedly abused a second girl in March of this year.