Pastor convicted of sex abuse sentenced

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A local pastor and former headmaster of Prichard Preparatory School was sentenced in his sex abuse case. Cederick McMillian was convicted of the charges in October, and he may only spend a year in jail.

McMillian was given a 10 year sentence, but will only go to jail for one year. He faces five years on probation. If he violates that probation, he'll be ordered to serve the rest of his sentence.

"In the general scheme of things, it was a just and fair sentence based on the facts of the case. I'm sorry he was ever found guilty, but the sentence was fair," said defense attorney Jeff Deen.

Deen said he believed McMillian's role in the community helped lessen his sentence.

"You heard all the people that came forward. It wasn't someone speaking in general; he's a good preacher. Men came and said he affected my life," Deen said.

McMillian was found guilty in October of sex abuse and sodomy. The victim was 14-years-old at the time.

McMillian is a pastor, former headmaster of Prichard Prep, and a former president of the Prichard Chamber of Commerce. Assistant District Attorney Nicki Patterson said that's what makes the crime more atrocious.

"I'm showing convicted felons that they can do better. I'm showing the people in my church that they can follow a different path, and then you're convicted of molesting a relative when she's 14? I think that deserves jail time," said Patterson.

Judge Michael Youngpeter said he does not believe McMillian was using his position in the church to prey on children. Youngpeter said it was a very big distinction. McMillian was taken away from the courtroom to start his sentence.

Deen said he does plan to appeal the sentence.