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Decision in ex-Nanaimo pastor, accused of sex interference, expected in December
Prosecutors said Morgan used his church authority to exploit two complainants as closing arguments ended, with Justice David Crerar set to rule Dec. 14.
Former Nanaimo youth pastor Ryan Richard James Morgan faces a verdict on Dec. 14 following closing arguments that concluded Wednesday-Thursday at B.C. Supreme Court before Justice David Crerar.
Crown counsel Tania Holland argued Morgan used his status at Generations Church to manipulate two minors, claiming he controlled narratives to discredit those who opposed him.
Defence counsel Owen James argued the Crown failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, suggesting "witness tainting," and cited testimony that church protocols mandated a second person present for "the privacy and protection of the student in the room."
Witnesses testified records were kept on "medical sheets" and detailed on an "anatomical diagram," disputing allegations of inappropriate contact by citing strict procedures for treating sore muscles.
James challenged the complainants' credibility, telling Justice David Crerar their testimony suggested "close to the air of rehearsal," as the court prepares to weigh conflicting accounts of the 2017 and 2020 incidents.