In December 2023, Rick Sentell, the senior pastor of Cornerstone Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, was indicted by a Bradley County Grand Jury on charges of possessing over 100 images of child sexual abuse on his laptop.

The indictment specified that between April 1 and September 7, 2023, Sentell knowingly possessed material featuring minors engaged in sexual activity.

Following the indictment, the Tennessee Church of God suspended Sentell from all ministerial activities by church policy.

T. Wayne Dority, the Administrative Bishop of the Tennessee Church of God, confirmed the suspension, stating that the church was informed about Sentell’s indictment and had taken appropriate action.

The Cleveland Police Department initiated the investigation after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Sentell was arrested on December 25, 2023, with bond set at $75,000.

In February 2025, Sentell pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt action in addressing allegations of abuse within religious communities.