Officials: Preacher who watched child bathe sentenced to prison

RUSSELVILLE, Ala. -- Officials say a former preacher who pleaded guilty to child abuse and third-degree assault with sexual motivations has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The Times Daily reports 74-year-old Freddy Hovater pleaded guilty to the charges in March. He also must register as a sex offender.

Prosecutors have said the former preacher in Franklin County used items to abuse a girl who was 8 years at the time. Officials said he also would watch the child bathe during visits to his home.

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 7:22 PM with the headline "Officials: Preacher who watched child bathe sentenced to prison ."