OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A Kissimmee pastor will spend decades in prison for sexually abusing a parishioner who went to him for counseling.
Eddy Noelsaint, 54, was convicted on four counts of sexual battery in July. An Osceola County judge sentenced him to 30 years on two of those counts on Friday.
His victim was in court during the sentencing and addressed the judge with the help of a translator.
“I tried to take my own life several times,” she said. “Until now, whenever I think about what happened, I always cry. I always have tears in my eyes.”
The victim said she had known Noelsaint for years and had visited him for spiritual counseling with her husband’s support. Prosecutors say Noelsaint gave her some tea and pills and sexually assaulted her soon after.
“He put forth this persona that he was to be believed and trusted and followed,” said Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Synnamon.
Noelsaint told the court he had a consensual relationship with the woman and told the court “90% of what (she) said was a lie.”
At a press conference following the sentencing, State Attorney Monique Worrell said her office secured a 70% conviction rate in sexual abuse cases since the beginning of the year. She praised the work of Synnamon, who prosecuted Noelsaint.
“Today is about making sure that when someone uses their power and position to sexually violate another person, there are consequences,” said Worrell.
Noelsaint has 30 days to appeal his sentence.
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