Former Warsaw pastor sentenced to 8 years for child sex crimes

RICHMOND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A former Warsaw pastor at Victory Baptist Church in Richmond County will spend eight years behind bars for child sex crimes committed between 1981 and 1996.

Dozens gathered inside of a Richmond County courthouse in the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 8 in the small town of Warsaw. The anticipated hearing was set to determine the sentence for 88-year-old Albert Wharton, a former pastor at Victory Baptist Church.

In 2023, the Richmond County Sheriff's Department arrested and charged Wharton with 22 felony counts of taking indecent liberties with a child under the age of 13 while in a custodial position and eight felony counts of aggravated sexual assault.

According to deputies, the crimes were committed at the church's former school, Berachah Academy, where Wharton was a pastor.

In June, 2025 Wharton entered an alford plea for eight of those charges. Meaning he is maintaining his innocence while recognizing the Commonwealth’s evidence could find him guilty if this case were sent to trial. The remaining charges were nolle prosequi — meaning officials are declining to prosecute.

8News was the only media outlet inside the courtroom during Monday's sentencing hearing. Before the judge handed down the sentencing, victims, along with friends and family of Wharton, shared impact and character statements.

Four victims shared impact statements during the sentencing hearing. Many were brought to tears as they recounted the sexual acts. Some shared that Wharton abused his role as a pastor and say they were beaten and touched inappropriately. Every victim shared the emotional and mental toll this has taken on their lives and said they wish Wharton would take accountability.

Four of Wharton's family and friends also spoke out during the hearing to share who they know Wharton to be. Many stated that the actions he was charged with was unlike the character they knew. Instead, they described Wharton as a caring, loving, man of God. Wharton's daughter was among those to speak in Wharton's character. She described Wharton as her hero and a great example for her kids.

Wharton's defense attorney shared during his argument to the judge that Wharton does not deserve to die in prison. He cited the 88-year-old's health as a reason for the judge to suspend his sentence or give him a shortened or at home incarceration.

The Richmond County Commonwealth's Attorney, Elizabeth Trible, argued that Wharton's age should not be a factor.

"Mr. Wharton used the girls ages in order to commit these crimes against them and attempted today to use his own age to avoid responsibility for these crimes. I am pleased that the judge didn't accept that argument," Trible said.

“I'm a little relieved. What is it? Eight years? I'm glad that it seems he suggested, has been served," Amy Hall, one of the victims, said.

Wharton and his attorney declined to comment following the sentencing.