Video: 26 years for former pastor charged with child rape

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PORT ORCHARD, Wash. - A former Kitsap County pastor who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing girls and young women in his congregation was sentenced to 26 and a half years in prison Wednesday.

Sixty-year-old Robbin Leeroy Harper, the former pastor of a now defunct home-based group in South Colby known as The Church, heard his fate after pleading guilty to eight counts of child rape and molestation. 

From anger to pain, a flood of emotions filled the courthouse as victims and family members spoke out before the sentencing.

Detectives interviewed 10 female victims who said they'd been raped molested or both by Harper, who told them he was preparing them for marriage.

Harper is described by police as charismatic and extremely controlling over his congregation of 60 dedicated church members.

Police say he held private meetings with the victims who ranged in age from 7 to 24 years old.  There detectives say he would show them pornographic material then teach them to commit sex acts. 

KING

Robbin Leeroy Harper is escorted from court in Port Orchard, Wash. after pleading guilty to eight counts of child rape and molestation on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008.

Harper told the court Wednesday he was ashamed.