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Ex-Columbus church pastor pleads guilty to felony counts

Posted August 29, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - A former southern Indiana church pastor has apologized for his actions after being charged in what prosecutors say was a scheme faking a burglary of his home in order to pay a drug debt.

Thirty-eight-year-old Justin White pleaded guilty Monday to two felony counts for inducing a minor to illegally deal painkillers. White told The (Columbus) Republic his opioid addiction started with a prescription for headaches and then he wasn't honest with his doctor.

White was pastor of First Christian Church in Columbus when his house was burglarized last December. He resigned as pastor in March.

Prosecutors dropped insurance fraud charges related to the burglary in a plea agreement. Defense attorney Mark Dove says White denies staging the burglary.

White's sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

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Information from: The Republic, http://www.therepublic.com/

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