Former Youth Pastor Sentenced for Sexual Abuse

Marvin Scales, a 53-year-old former youth pastor from Waxahachie, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexually abusing minors, including two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a young child. The investigation began in August 2023 when hospital staff alerted police after a 14-year-old girl gave birth and Scales was found to be the biological father. Victims revealed that Scales frequently took children on overnight trips and would engage in sexual acts during these stays. He had an extensive security system at his home that recorded several assaults, leading to more victims coming forward. The district attorney described the case as “unusually heinous,” highlighting the challenges victims face when the abuser holds a position of authority in the church. Scales is not eligible for parole and will serve his full sentence, allowing the community and victims to begin healing.