Terry Reed, a pastor from Terrytown in suburban New Orleans, was sentenced to 80 years after a jury found him guilty on May 6 of two counts of third-degree rape and two counts of juvenile molestation. The convictions follow earlier guilty pleas in 1997 and 2017 for offenses involving minors. During sentencing, a victim’s mother delivered a powerful impact statement describing deep betrayal; the case highlights broader problems of abuse by religious leaders in the region.
Louisiana Pastor Sentenced to 80 Years After Conviction for Molesting Two Boys
The 24th judicial district court in Gretna, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans.Photograph: Google Maps(Photograph: Google Maps)
Terry Reed, a pastor from Terrytown in suburban New Orleans, was sentenced to 80 years in prison on Thursday after a jury convicted him on May 6 of two counts of third-degree rape and two counts of molestation of a juvenile. The sentence follows two earlier convictions involving minors and capped a case that spanned decades.
Sentence and Courtroom Remarks
Judge Ray Steib imposed the maximum penalty, applying 40 years on each juvenile-molestation count. The mother of one victim delivered a victim-impact statement on her son’s behalf, describing profound betrayal and calling Reed "an utter failure and a sorry excuse for a man." She added, "It is done. It is over. And I couldn’t be more glad," and told Reed directly, "You disgust me."
How Prosecutors Say the Abuse Occurred
Prosecutors said Reed gained the trust of the boys' guardians, brought the minors into his home and used his position as a pastor to manipulate the children, at times invoking scripture to normalize his sexual conduct.
Prior Convictions and Other Noted Incidents
The May convictions represent Reed’s third set of convictions related to sexual offenses against minors. He pleaded guilty in 1997 to indecent behavior with a juvenile and again in 2017 to indecent behavior with a juvenile and to molestation of a juvenile. Separately, investigators concluded in a 2002 incident that two boys, ages 12 and 13, who died in a hot tub at Reed’s home had been electrocuted; authorities at the time were unable to definitively classify the deaths as homicide, suicide, accidental or natural.
Regional Context
The case adds to a pattern of abuse by religious leaders in the New Orleans area. The Archdiocese of New Orleans has faced multiple convictions and costly settlements tied to clergy abuse, and other recent prosecutions include the February sentencing of Pentecostal pastor Milton Otto Martin III to seven years for molesting a teenage girl.
Victim Support and Resources
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the following organizations:
- US Childhelp: Call or text 800-422-4453 – https://www.childhelp.org
- Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCAS): https://ascasupport.org
- UK NSPCC: Children 0800 1111; Adults concerned about a child 0808 800 5000
- UK Napac (adult survivors): 0808 801 0331
- Australia Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800; Bravehearts: 1800 272 831; Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380
- Global directory: Child Helplines International – https://www.childhelplineinternational.org
The court’s decision delivers a stiff sentence in a case that underscores long-term harms to survivors and the importance of reporting and supporting victims of sexual abuse.
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