A former Detroit pastor, Kenneth Flowers, has been condemned to a term of four to fifteen years in prison following his no contest plea to charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 17-year-old boy. Flowers, who was the pastor at Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church prior to his arrest, was apprehended after the hearing where he chose not to make a statement, as per a report by The Detroit News.
The abuse occurred in Farmington Hills in December 2023, and Flowers had initially faced more severe charges, including two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and a kidnapping charge, but these were dismissed after the plea. FOX 2 Detroit detailed that the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office consulted with the victim prior to agreeing to the plea and did not put forward a sentencing recommendation as part of the agreement.
Acknowledging the gravity of the pastor's actions, Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor Gabrielle Meyers, in statements given to The Detroit News, condemned Flowers' behavior as "deplorable" and lauded the young victim for his "immense courage and bravery" in reporting the assault perpetrated by a prominent figure.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized the outcome's importance by stating, "Today’s sentence means that Kenneth Flowers is being held accountable for his actions," as reported by WXYZ. Additionally, alongside his sentencing, Flowers' name will now be listed on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Flowers has a long standing history with the church, having served since July 1995, and was recognized as a social and community activist on human rights issues, according to the church's website.
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