A Shelbyville, Kentucky minister has been sentenced for having sex with a 15-year-old boy and the minister is HIV positive. And Minister James Bell admits, he knew he was HIV positive at the time of act.
"All child sex abuse, no matter who the perpetrator is, is horrific and damaging. But it's especially damaging if it's a religious figure," said David Clohessy with Survivors Network Abused by Priests (SNAP).
Such is the case for a now 17-year-old boy sexually abused by James Bell on numerous occasions two years ago.
Bell was minister of Refuge Temple Church of God in Christ in Shelbyville. The church's website says Bell is married with three children and "a man of great faith who preaches the whole counsel of God."
But in 2008, Bell voluntarily came forward to police and admitted to having unprotected sex with a juvenile. Bell knew then that he is HIV positive.
The judge sentenced Bell to 7 years behind bars and 20 years on the sex offender registry.
David Clohessy with SNAP says this victim's road to recovery will be difficult.
"Because where do people turn in times of trauma? They turn to their faith for comfort, solace, guidance... so if the person molesting you is the minister or God's representative on earth, especially in a child's eyes, then that child is doubly abandoned."
Bell's victim's tests came back negative for HIV. The church where Bell preached was since disbanded.
