An Iowa man with a long criminal history has been sentenced to church. Instead of serving time in
prison, he will endure the pastor's sermons for eight consecutive Sundays.
With a lengthy and violent criminal record to his name, Pachino Hill is going to church.
Hill, 29, of Davenport was sentenced Wednesday by Scott County Associate Judge Christine Dalton to a counseling program offered by Third Missionary Baptist Church. She also ordered him to attend church there eight consecutive Sundays, to pay a fine and be on probation for one year.
If he doesn’t comply, he faces up to two years in prison for eluding and driving while barred. The charges are the result of a police chase from Rock Island to Davenport in October.
“Let’s give it a shot,” Dalton said of the counseling program plan presented to her by Hill’s attorney, Brenda Drew-Peeples, and supported by Rogers Kirk, pastor at Third Missionary. “I’m all about one more chance.”
The counseling program, Drew-Peeples said, is a chance for Hill to gain role models who are responsible men and are contributing to society.
“I believe God has a plan for Pachino Hill’s life, and I believe it’s coming to fruition,” she said.
Prosecutor Marc Gellerman did not object to the counseling program but did request that Hill attend church services.
“I would think that listening to Rev. Kirk every Sunday would be very beneficial for Mr. Hill,” Gellerman said, adding that Hill reaching out to Kirk “says a lot.” [Link]
While some people are concerned that the sentence violates the principle of separation of church and state, others are concerned that it might result in the separation of church and offering plate.
Meanwhile, two clergymen of other faiths had mixed reactions to the sentencing. "It's better for him to go to church," said Priest Ravi Maniar of the local Hindu Temple. "If he comes here, he will not suffer enough."
But Rabbi Ben Horrowitz of Temple Beth El objected to the sentencing. "It's so unfair," he said. "Why not give us a chance to increase our congregation? We know Mr. Hill isn't a Jew, but he can at least pretend to be one for eight weeks."
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