A South Carolina pastor accused of sexually assaulting a foster child had his prison sentence commuted by President Donald Trump and was on federal probation when the alleged assaults occurred.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) said Rodney Gibson and Kawiana Young were arrested Monday. RCSD noted the two are married.
Both were charged with unlawful conduct with a minor, while Gibson was additionally charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Gibson was also identified as the pastor of Pathway 2 Hope Ministries in Columbia, while Young owns and operates DreamCatcher Child Development Center.
Federal court records obtained by WIS reveal more about Gibson’s prison sentence and his efforts to end his probation early.
Federal court records show Gibson, 50, served more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal drug and gun charges in 2009. His prison sentence was reduced to 32 years in 2015 and to 17 years in 2017.
Records also show Gibson filed to have his sentence reduced again in June 2020, claiming errors in the sentencing process. Then, in January 2021, Gibson was one of several people whose prison sentences were commuted by President Donald Trump on the final day of his first term. Gibson was released in May that year, but remained under the previously imposed supervision.
Hellbound and Down 