GASTONIA, N.C. -- Pastor Harley Keough told a Gaston County judge Tuesday that the King James Baptist Church in Bessemer City was "a loving church" and a place where "we frequently hug."
But Judge James Jackson apparently felt there was more to the loving and hugging and convicted the 73-year-old Keough of two counts of sexual battery.
Jackson then sentenced Keough to 18 months probation. Keough will now have to register as a sexual offender.
On the stand, testifying on his own behalf, Keough denied the claims made by eight women who all said he groped them or tried to kiss them when they came for help to the food bank run by the church.
"I love the Lord. I wouldn't do anything to bring reproach upon his name," said Keough.
Keough said he suffered from erectile dysfunction and would not have had any pleasure from touching the women.
"I'd stand there like an idiot because I couldn't do anything," Keough said.
After the sentencing, Keough angrily brushed aside the TV cameras and reporters who followed him down the hall.
His attorney, James Carpenter, said there would be no appeal.
"He really doesn't want to put his wife and his church through that again," Carpenter said.
Keough faced a total of 11 charges but was tried on only two. The district attorney's office will now decide if it will proceed with the remaining charges.
