Church Lady Guilty of Sex with Girl

(Anderson, Indiana) A 36-year-old former church worker, Stephanie M. Rogers, pleaded guilty yesterday in Madison Superior Court to sex with a minor. In accordance with a plea agreement, Rogers admitted to sexual conduct with a 15-year-old runaway girl.

If Judge Dennis Carroll accepts the plea agreement, her prison time would be capped at seven years.

Deputy Prosecutor Rudolph Pyle III said he would seek a 15-year sentence, with seven years served and the remainder suspended. The Class B felony is punishable by a six- to 20-year sentence.

"I just think it's best for all parties," Rogers' attorney, John Reeder of Anderson, said of the agreement.

Rogers is accused of having a sexual relationship over several days in January with the runaway from the Indiana United Methodist Children's Home in Lebanon.

Investigators allege Rogers was working at the children's home when she first met the girl. Officials at the home said she had since been fired.

A sentencing date was not reported.

Tip: SuidaeEmpathy