Former Hartselle preacher convicted of sodomy [Video]

DECATUR, Ala. — A 61-year-old former pastor was convicted Thursday of second-degree sodomy in a Morgan County courtroom.

Prosecutors said a male victim came forward in 2007, telling Hartselle Police that Danny Duane Pitts had molested him starting at 12 years of age. The victim had reportedly been sent to Pitts by his family for counseling.

The abuse reportedly continued for several locations and took place in several locations including the church where Pitts was a pastor.

The investigation was reopened and Pitts was arrested and indicted in 2021.

“We are glad that this victim was able to get justice for what this defendant did to him,” said Chief Assistant District Attorney Garrick Vickery. “The case took a long time to get to a courtroom, but this victim made sure that Danny …