Merton Parks - Baptist pastor - Guilty Child Pornography

A northern New York Baptist pastor has admitted downloading child pornography to a church computer.

Merton Parks, the former pastor of Oswegatchie First Baptist Church, pleaded guilty Monday to a felony charge of possessing a sexual performance by a child. The 61-year-old Parks was sentenced to 10 years' probation.

Parks said nothing at his hearing in St. Lawrence County Court, but defense attorney Gary Miles said his client was sorry for his actions.

Authorities say they busted Parks by tracking the credit card he used to buy child pornography on a computer in the church.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte