Convicted Sex Offender Preacher

(Gaston County, North Carolina) A 60-year-old local preacher and evangelist, Thomas Lee Cavender, has petitioned the Gaston County Superior Court requesting that his name be removed from the National Sex Offender Registry.

Judge Jesse Caldwell denied the request.

Cavender said that he is a preacher and the label is hindering his ability as a pastor.

“It hurts my ministry when you’re in the pulpit and someone goes to the computer and there you are,” he said.

The judge questioned Cavender as to why he wouldn’t be upfront about his past.

“Are you trying to keep all this quiet to your congregation and the people you preach to?” Caldwell asked. “You’re going into the pulpit under false pretenses, are you not?”

Fooling the flock, eh Mr. Cavender?

Cavender was convicted of sexual battery of a young girl in 2000. He plea bargained for a short prison term and probation.