Ex-Lubbock Youth Pastor Sentenced to 40 Years for Child Sex Assault

Luke Cunningham pleaded guilty to two counts of child sexual assault and bigamy.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of metal handcuffs against a stark black background, conceptually representing the consequences of a serious crime.The sentencing of a former youth pastor for child sexual assault exposes the need for greater oversight and accountability within religious institutions.Lubbock Today

Former Lubbock youth pastor Luke Cunningham, 42, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of child sexual assault and bigamy. Cunningham must also register as a sex offender for life and has a lifetime protective order.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse by trusted community leaders and the need for stronger accountability and oversight within religious organizations to protect vulnerable children and youth.

The details

Cunningham was arrested in June 2024 and initially indicted for one count of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault of a child. Court documents revealed that 16 separate incidents of sexual assault involving two victims under the age of 17 occurred from September to December 2018. Cunningham was a former youth pastor at Turning Point from 2016 to 2020 and was also involved with Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury.

  • Cunningham was arrested in June 2024.
  • The incidents of sexual assault occurred from September to December 2018.

The players

Luke Cunningham

A 42-year-old former youth pastor in Lubbock, Texas who pleaded guilty to two counts of child sexual assault and bigamy.

Turning Point

A church where Cunningham was a youth pastor from 2016 to 2020.

Lakeside Baptist Church

A church in Granbury, Texas where Cunningham was most recently involved.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse by trusted community leaders and the need for stronger accountability and oversight within religious organizations to protect vulnerable children and youth.