DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A church deacon has been sentenced to life in prison for trafficking a teenage girl in Decatur, authorities announced Thursday.

According to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, 79-year-old Algie Christian, a church deacon, will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of sexually trafficking a young girl.

Prosecutors said the victim’s caretaker, 42-year-old Terrill Sanford, was also sentenced to 50 years.

Investigators said Sanford allowed the abuse to continue because Christian provided him with jobs through his home improvement company and helped cover his rent. Officials said Sanford effectively traded the girl’s safety for financial gain, permitting the abuse over time rather than protecting her.

Christian is serving life without par

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