A Colorado Springs youth pastor who was fired after admitting to a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl in his youth group was sentenced Thursday to 60 days in jail and 10 years-to-life probation.
In handing down his sentence, a judge told Joshua Amoroso he was “sickened” by the betrayal of trust and warned the 22-year-old that violating the terms of his probation could result in a life sentence.
“Most parents, all parents, believe that when you drop your child off at church, it’s a sanctuary,” said 4th Judicial District Judge Scott Sells, adding that Amoroso’s “selfish desires” had challenged that idea and sabotaged the reputation of his employer, Gateway Church in Colorado Springs.
Sells added: “You, sir, have no shame.”
Under the terms of his probation, Amoroso, who is married, must register as a sex offender and arrange approval to have contact with children. Sells forbade him from serving as a pastor until his probation expires.
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