Waxahachie, TX – A former youth pastor from Waxahachie, Texas, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing four minors, including the impregnation of a 14-year-old girl.
Registered Sex Offender, Youth Pastor Gets 14-Year-Old Pregnant
Marvin Scales, 53, received his sentence on Monday following his guilty plea to two counts of sexual abuse of a young child, one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and one count of sexual assault of a child.
The investigation into Scales began in August 2023 when a 14-year-old girl gave birth at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Waxahachie. Hospital staff alerted police when they noticed Scales was “overly involved” in the delivery process.
Multiple Victims Come Forward to Accuse Youth Pastor Scales of Child Sex Abuse
After the initial discovery, additional victims from Scales’ church congregation came forward. He regularly took children on overnight trips and hosted sleepovers at his home, where the abuse occurred.
Digital Evidence and Prior Sex Abuse Offenses
Investigators uncovered that Scales had an extensive security system in his home that recorded several instances of sexual assault. He also personally recorded and kept videos of the abuse.
Scales was already a registered sex offender, having been convicted of three child sex abuse crimes in 1998, for which he served 10 years in prison.
Sentencing After Pleading Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse
Ellis County District Attorney Ann Montgomery praised the bravery of the victims who came forward. Scales is not eligible for parole and will serve the entirety of his 50-year sentence.
The name and location of the church where Scales worked have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if the church was aware of his sex offender status when hiring him.
Legal Recourse for Clergy Abuse Survivors in Texas
The recent sentencing of a Waxahachie youth pastor for child sexual abuse has brought renewed attention to the devastating impact of clergy misconduct. As communities grapple with the aftermath of such cases, questions arise about the legal options available to survivors and their families. To address these concerns, we spoke with Anjali Nigam, a seasoned Texas attorney experienced in clergy sex abuse cases. In this interview, Nigam offers valuable information on the legal rights of young victims, the process of holding negligent institutions accountable, and the support available for those considering legal action. Her insights provide a roadmap for survivors seeking to navigate the complex landscape of clergy abuse litigation.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal options are available for children who have been sexually abused by a youth pastor?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Children who have suffered such abuse have the right to seek both criminal and civil justice. While the criminal system focuses on punishing the perpetrator, civil lawsuits can help survivors obtain compensation for their trauma, medical expenses, and ongoing therapy needs. These lawsuits can target not only the abuser but also the institutions that may have enabled the abuse.
Banville: How can negligent parties be held accountable in these cases?
Nigam: Negligent parties, such as churches or religious organizations, can be held liable if they failed to properly screen employees, ignored warning signs, or did not report suspicions of abuse. We investigate whether background checks were conducted, if there were prior complaints, and if the organization had proper safeguards in place. By demonstrating negligence, we can compel these institutions to take responsibility and implement better protective measures for children.
Banville: What advice do you have for families considering legal action?
Nigam: I urge families to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Texas has specific statutes of limitations for these cases, and understanding these time constraints is vital. Additionally, preserving evidence and documenting the effects of abuse are key steps. Most importantly, I want survivors and their families to know that they’re not alone in this process, and there are compassionate legal professionals ready to support them.
Survivors of Pastor Abuse Deserve Justice
If you or someone you know has been affected by clergy abuse, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Seeking legal advice can be a vital step in addressing the trauma and finding a path forward. We encourage victims and their families to reach out for a free consultation. Our compassionate team is here to listen, provide guidance, and help you explore your options for justice and healing. Contact us today to take the first step toward regaining control of your narrative and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
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Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
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