Oklahoma youth pastor faces two felony child sexual abuse charges

Andrew Paul Benton, a 27-year-old youth pastor in Duncan, Oklahoma, faces two felony charges of child sexual abuse. The charges, filed on October 6 in Stephens County, allege that Benton engaged in sexual acts with two teenage girls under his care. One victim was part of his church’s youth group, while the other was his foster child. The allegations span from March 2025 to March 2026.

Benton served as president of the Assembly of Our Lord Jesus Christ and youth pastor at Grace Chapel Pentecostal Church. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent Lindsey Adamson, is handling the case. The affidavit, which forms the basis for an arrest warrant, identifies the church’s head pastor, Ed Jackson, as Benton’s father-in-law.

The charging document details that Benton “willfully and maliciously” engaged in sexual intercourse, touching of breasts and vagina, kissing, and sodomy with one minor, G.H. It also alleges he touched the breasts and vagina of another minor, J.C., while serving as her foster parent. The affidavit, separate from the criminal information document, includes additional allegations of first-degree rape, second-degree rape, sexual battery, and other offenses, which are not part of the two-count charge.

The investigation began after Duncan police requested state assistance on March 4. Agent Adamson noted that the affidavit contains only enough information to establish probable cause, with many facts omitted. G.H. told investigators that Benton began contacting her on Snapchat in February 2025 and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults, including at a church-related gathering and during a visit to his home.

The case highlights the serious consequences of abuse within church leadership and the importance of accountability. As the legal process unfolds, the community and church leaders are called to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humility are central to living out our faith.

Source: Read the original report