Former Columbus pastor sentenced to 15 years for sexual abuse of minors

Dominic Foor pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual battery against two teenage victims

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A former pastor at a church in Columbus, Ohio has been sentenced to the maximum 15-year prison term for sexually assaulting two teenagers. Dominic Foor, 40, pleaded guilty in January to three counts of sexual battery against victims between the ages of 14 and 17 whom he knew through a familial connection. Foor previously served as a pastor at Pathway Apostolic Church on Columbus' Southwest Side before leaving that role in early 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for clergy members who abuse their positions of trust and authority to sexually exploit minors. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within religious institutions to prevent such abuses from occurring.

The details

According to court records, Foor engaged in sexual conduct with the two victims between November 2022 and May 2024. One of the victims was between 15 and 17 years old and the other was between 14 and 15 years old. Foor knew the victims through a familial connection. In June 2025, a Pickaway County grand jury indicted Foor on 23 counts, to which he later pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual battery.

  • In January 2026, Foor pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual battery.
  • On February 27, 2026, Foor was sentenced to the maximum 15-year prison term.
  • Foor previously served as a pastor at Pathway Apostolic Church on Columbus' Southwest Side, leaving that role in early 2025.

The players

Dominic Foor

A 40-year-old former pastor at Pathway Apostolic Church in Columbus, Ohio who pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual battery against two teenage victims.

Pathway Apostolic Church

A church located on Columbus' Southwest Side where Foor previously served as a pastor before leaving in early 2025.

Matthew Chafin

The Pickaway County Common Pleas Court judge who sentenced Foor to the maximum 15-year prison term.

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What’s next

As part of his sentence, Foor will be required to pay a $5,000 fine and register as a Tier III sex offender every 90 days for the remainder of his life.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for religious institutions to implement stronger safeguards and oversight measures to prevent the sexual abuse of minors by clergy members who hold positions of power and influence over vulnerable populations.