Mahoning County pastor found guilty today of rape, gross sexual imposition

YOUNGSTOWN — Judge James C. Evans today found the Rev. Ronald Lee Pyles guilty of one count of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition.

The judge found him not guilty of one count of rape and another count of gross sexual imposition.

The pastor at Victory Harvest Ministry in North Jackson was charged with raping and sexually abusing a 19-year-old mentally disabled woman who was staying at the ministry's facility that provides temporary shelter to homeless people between October 2010 and March 2011.

The case was tried directly to the judge without a jury. Judge Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court made his ruling two hours after the defense rested its case. The judge will sentence the Rev. Mr. Pyles at 9 a.m. Jan. 23.

Defense lawyer David Gerchak said he will appeal. Gerchak is asking the judge to give his client a three-year prison term. Natasha Frenchko, an assistant county prosecutor, wants the judge to give Mr. Pyles the maximum sentence on both counts that would add up to 15 years in prison.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com