A former Galesburg pastor was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on sexual abuse charges.
Jean M. Kanganga, now 37, was arrested in March 2023 on seven counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and two counts of battery.
At a bench trial in October 2024, he was found guilty of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust, supervision, or authority over the victims.
Kanganga was identified as a pastor in charging documents, though the church was not named. The counts he was found guilty on were for touching the clothed breasts of minors, according to charging documents.
One victim testified at a sentencing hearing last week in Knox County court. She said the abuse occurred several years ago when she was 15 and 16 years old, and he assaulted her after she had confided in him about being abused when she was younger.
She said she’s suffered panic attacks, guilt, and shame since then, and now attends college out of state. She said Kanganga showed no remorse after she came forward and he also spread rumors about her family.
“I didn’t feel safe anymore, so we had to move,” she said.
The victim said Kanganga also told her he wanted her to have his child, and would tell her younger brothers that she was pregnant with his child.
“I hope that this gives you some closure in this matter,” said Judge Andrew Doyle after imposing the four-year sentence.
Kanganga appeared at the sentencing hearing with an interpreter. He had no previous criminal history. He was also ordered to pay $6,564 in court costs.