70-year-old Kansas man, pastor charged with multiple child sex crimes
By Chloe Godding, Beth Carlson
Click here for updates on this story
LINN COUNTY, Kansas (KMBC) — A 70-year-old Kansas man and pastor has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple sex crimes involving a minor victim.
Wade Booth was arrested in Linn County, Kansas, on four counts of child sex crimes including aggravated incest and aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim.
The incident or incidents occurred between Jan. 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, according to a criminal complaint.
The most serious of the four counts that Booth is facing could result in a minimum of 55 months in prison and a maximum of 247 months if Booth is convicted.
Booth is listed on the website of the First Baptist Church of Pleasanton, Kansas, as its pastor. According to the biography posted, Booth has served in the role since 2007, and for decades before that, was involved in leadership roles with churches around the region.
Neighbors in the small town expressed disbelief over the allegations.
Booth appeared in court for the first time to face several charges, including aggravated incest and teacher-student sexual relations.
“There’s a lot of good people that go to the church, and, you know, I just feel bad for everybody involved,” another neighbor shared.
The allegations have left the congregation and the town grappling with how to move forward.
“It’s very concerning living so close. I have young children, and so it’s just disturbing,” a neighbor said.
A church representative declined to comment.
If convicted, Booth could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Advocates with Protecting Kansas Children from Sexual Predators say the bond set in this case is high when compared to similar cases.
“You can tell from just what’s been filed so far, that there are people working very, very hard to try and achieve some kind of accountability in this case,” Ramirez said. “We are all grateful for that.”
He’s due back in court on Sept. 15.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.