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Chalmette Today
By the People, for the People
Ex-Chalmette Pastor Receives Maximum Sentence for Indecent Behavior with Minor
Judge declines to reduce sentence despite over 100 letters of support, calling crimes 'exceptionally severe'
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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A former Chalmette pastor, Milton Otto Martin III, was sentenced to the maximum 7 years in prison for indecent behavior with a juvenile. The 58-year-old former head of Chalmette's First Pentecostal Church was convicted in December of engaging in inappropriate acts with a 16-year-old girl around 2011. The judge said he received over 100 letters supporting Martin but chose not to reduce the sentence, calling the crimes 'exceptionally severe' with 'permanent injury to the victim'.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting clergy abuse cases, where community support for the accused can sometimes overshadow the impact on victims. The maximum sentence in this case sends a strong message about the severity of the crimes and the need to protect minors from predatory behavior, even from those in positions of trust.
The details
Martin was originally charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile as well as indecent behavior with a juvenile. A jury found him guilty of one count of indecent behavior but acquitted him of the more serious charge. Authorities interviewed several alleged victims, but the trial focused on one 16-year-old victim. The victim, now 30, detailed the lasting impact of the abuse, saying Martin had warned her that her 'world would turn upside down' if she told anyone.
- In December 2025, a St. Bernard Parish jury found Martin guilty.
- On February 13, 2026, Judge Darren Roy formally sentenced Martin to 7 years in prison.
The players
Milton Otto Martin III
The 58-year-old former head of Chalmette's First Pentecostal Church, convicted of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Judge Darren Roy
The state district judge who sentenced Martin to the maximum 7 years in prison, despite receiving over 100 letters of support.
The Victim
A 30-year-old woman who was 16 years old at the time of the abuse, and detailed the lasting impact in a statement to the judge.
What they’re saying
“What he did to me was selfish, despicable and egregious – utterly evil. I struggle … with things that I should not have to deal with because they are not the consequences of my actions.”
— The Victim (The Guardian)
“This just goes to show that we will never stop fighting to protect the children of Louisiana. If you hurt our kids, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
— Liz Murrill, Louisiana Attorney General (wwltv.com)
What’s next
Once released, Martin will have to register as a sex offender for 15 years.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting clergy abuse cases, where community support for the accused can sometimes overshadow the impact on victims. The maximum sentence in this case sends a strong message about the severity of the crimes and the need to protect minors from predatory behavior, even from those in positions of trust.
