As the healing for a church and a small town continues, a Balaton man who in May pleaded guilty in Lyon County District Court to four felony counts of criminal sexual conduct against four minors while serving as a youth group leader at a Balaton church was sentenced Tuesday to 120 days in jail and seven years probation.
Ethan Nelson, 36, had pleaded guilty to three counts of 4th degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct — charges that stemmed from him having sexual contact with minors from 2014-2018.
As part of his plea deal, Nelson was charged with one gross misdemeanor; the other counts received a stayed guideline sentence. Nelson must refrain from any coaching or school leadership responsibilities during the probation period.
Each count against Nelson included victims who, at the time of the incidents, were in their teens and when he was in a position of authority as a youth group leader at Victory Church in Balaton.
All four counts included sexual contact, and in one case, sexual penetration.
Matthew Cherry, the pastor at Victory Church, told the Tracy Area Headlight Herald on Wednesday that even though Nelson has taken full responsibility and showed remorse in court, the depth of grief continues to linger.
He said the incidents have, in some ways, changed the community, and especially the church.
“We’re not the same as we used to be,” said Cherry. “I think, in a sense, closure can be a bit of a myth. I think it will be hard to ever forget the pain, but I also think the pain has left us changed in such a way that we won’t be the same.”
Cherry, like the three of the victims and one witness, read a lengthy impact statement during an emotional hearing, saying it was his hope that every appropriate form of justice would be delivered from the court.
“I was profoundly amazed by the courage of the victims who gave powerful, moving statements about how the abuses have impacted them,” said Cherry. “It was a very emotional hearing, a lot of tears. It was kind of the victims’ day to say their piece. It’s hard, but it’s important.”
Healing, Cherry added, is not linear and doesn’t happen overnight. One good day could be followed by a bad one.
“One day you’re grieving again, you’re confused again — that’s what healing tends to look like for a community,” Cherry said. “For our church community, we’re taking the time here to pause and really seek what’s next for us.”
Nelson’s probation period also includes no contact with the four victims, including a witness; and no purchase of or possession of sexuallyexplicit materials. Nelson was also directed to issue a letter of apology to each victim.
