Covington County Pastor Agrees To Consecutive Life Terms In Prison

Posted by Bryan Henry  -  bio | email

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

There's a pretty good chance the public will never see Ralph Lee Aaron again.  Aaron went back to the Covington County Jail today and eventually he'll make his way to prison after pleading guilty to 4 sex crimes.

One count of first degree sodomy and 3 counts of producing 'obscene matter' involving a child under 17.

"This ends a long sad chapter in our county," said District Attorney Greg Gambril.

Prosecutors say Aaron's victims were 4 boys who at the time were between 8 and 12 years old. The sexual abuse reportedly took place at various locations around the Covington County area.

"The healing begins now for the boys and their families and we need to pray for them," said Gambril.

Investigators said Aaron produced what they call 'obscene materials' which included photographs and even made movies of sex acts with the victims.

"What this means is he will serve consecutive life terms, meaning when one life term ends, he'll serve another and he is not eligible for parole," Gambril said.

In short Aaron will die in prison.

Authorities initially charged Ralph Aaron with more than 150 sex crimes, but since Aaron agreed to spend the rest of his life in prison, prosecutors and the victims families decided not to pursue the remaining charges which means the children will not have to testify in court.

By agreeing to plea guilty Gambril estimates Aaron probably saved taxpayers around $50,000 by not going to trial.

WSFA 12 News has learned that Ralph Aaron did show remorse in court today.  While the court hearing was closed to the media, Aaron was quoted as saying "I am making peace with God. I would like forgiveness from the families. I regret what I did."

Aaron, however, never did explain why all of this happened in the first place.

Grace Christian Fellowship Church in Andalusia promptly fired the pastor when he was arrested last fall and at the time Aaron's bond was set at a record of $24 million.

Authorities say there is no evidence the sexual abuse took place on church grounds.

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