Former bishop found guilty of molesting juvenile sentenced to life in prison

The victim in the Frederick Hamilton criminal case appeared via Zoom and told the court he wanted the defendant, found guilty by a jury, to go to prison. The judge obliged.

The victim said Hamilton has damaged him, and he now has trouble trusting anyone. He told the judge not to have any sympathy for Hamilton because he may do something similar to another person.

Hamilton, a former church bishop in Ocklawaha, told Circuit Judge Peter Brigham on April 29 that he's sorry for what he did. He said he loves the victim's family and has helped them in the past.

Handcuffed and wearing a jail uniform, Hamilton said the victim was a willing participant and he never threatened him. He admitted to making mistakes and asked the judge not to send him to prison for the rest of his life. He asked the judge to give him a second chance so he can correct the bad decisions that have hurt the victim's family.

Life behind bars

The judge told Hamilton his actions were not an accident or an impulse. Rather, he said, he hid in plain sight and his behavior went on for years.

He sentenced Hamilton to life in prison. Hamilton may not have any contact with the victim or his family.

Hamilton's lawyer, Melanie Kohler, told the judge her client plans to appeal. The judge appointed the Public Defender's Office to represent Hamilton for his appeal.

In January, a six-member jury found Hamilton guilty of four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, three counts of lewd or lascivious battery, and lewd/lascivious conduct.

A sheriff's detective had arrested Hamilton in 2020 on charges that he was having an inappropriate relationship with the victim, who was a boy at the time. Hamilton, who was a bishop at Kings House of Restoration Ministries Inc., and a paraprofessional at Liberty Middle School, told the detective he had sex with the child. He resigned after his arrest and is no longer a bishop at the church.

Comments from the victim's parents

In court, Kohler said Hamilton is 35, has no prior criminal history, is himself a victim of child molestation, and was a minister for a long time. She said Hamilton is not a danger to the community and went to church even after his arrest.

The lawyer said sending Hamilton to prison for a long time would be harsh. She said her client understands he will never be a pastor again or be allowed to hold a position of trust. He also will register as a sexual offender. He's suffering, Kohler said, and needs an opportunity to get help.

Assistant State Attorney Elizabeth White said Hamilton deserves life behind bars. She said Hamilton groomed the victim, who's now an adult, and abused his position as head of the church. She called him a wolf in sheep's clothing who doesn't deserve mercy.

The victim's mother said while she forgives Hamilton, he has caused a lifetime of trauma. She said she's ready to close this chapter and told the judge he needs to send a strong message that will serve as a deterrent.

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The young man's stepfather said Hamilton has destroyed not only their family, but his own family, referring to Hamilton's.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Former bishop found guilty of molesting juvenile sentenced to life in prison