Former Youth Pastor Convicted of Child Abuse Released Early

ABILENE, TX – After serving only serving 56 days of his 180-day sentence, Jeff Berry, the former Abilene youth pastor, charged with assaulting a child has been released.

Berry was accused of touching the genitals of an underage boy in 1996 when he worked at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. The victim claimed the abuse began when he was in middle school and allegedly including touching and spooning after Berry took off his shirt.

In October, Berry was extradited from Tennessee and transported to the Taylor County Jail. He was released after his family posted an $80,000 bond.

According to KTXS, in March Berry pleaded guilty to indecency with a child by contact. As part of his plea, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and ten years probation. 

Berry was also ordered to perform 240 hours of community service and register as a sex offender.