A former worship leader in Kentucky and Creation Museum performer was sentenced to 15 years prison yesterday for sexually abusing a teenage boy.
Michael Howard, 37, admitted to the abuse during a nearly six-minute statement during the sentencing hearing in Boone County, Kentucky, according to WCPO-TV Ch. 9, an ABC affiliate in Cincinnati. He did not apologize to the victim, Timmy Goodman, who is now 20.
“At some point, I became arrogant and thought that I could preach and sing what I believe — and I did believe it — and still be involved in actions that are grossly contrary to what I believe,” Howard said.
Howard worked at Florence Baptist Temple in Burlington, Kentucky, where he met Goodman. The two also worked together at a furniture store. The abuse began with sexual messages sent in 2019 when Goodman was 15 years old. Goodman believes the grooming began when he was 14.
Goodman also spoke during the hearing. He said he experienced “years and years of abuse on a daily basis,” and he was glad to see Howard is going to be punished.
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“He sunk his teeth and claws into me, but now someone where he is going is going to look forward to sink their claws into his depressing, decrepit body,” Goodman said.
Goodman said Howard will no longer be primarily remembered for his musical talent, according to WLWT-TV Ch. 5, an NBC affiliate in Cincinnati.
Howard had ties to the Creation Museum in northern Kentucky, founded by Answers in Genesis CEO Ken Ham. Howard was previously a member of TrueSong, the resident performing artist at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter.
“Michael was a talented guy with plenty of accomplishments,” Goodman said. “Now, out of all of his accomplishments, this is what you will be most known and remembered for. He accomplished to throw everything away by manipulating and tricking a 14-year-old boy for sex.”
Goodman’s parents also spoke during the hearing, according to WXIX-TV Ch. 19, a Fox affiliate in Cincinnati.
Goodman’s father said Howard “used the cover of the church, the pulpit and the piano to hide his crimes,” WLWT reported.
Prosecutors initially charged Howard, who was arrested in January 2025, with 40 counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 40 counts of third-degree sodomy. He pleaded guilty to 28 counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sodomy, according to WCPO.
Howard will be eligible for parole in 2038. He will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Ann Marie Shambaugh has reported as a print journalist in multiple states, including currently in Carmel, Indiana.
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7 Responses
So…how is the Creation Museum connected to all this? Or did you just throw that in there to smear them?
The article says he was a former member of the museum’s resident artist group. How many people visit those attractions each year? Hundreds of thousands? Millions? Their target audience is families with children. Why wouldn’t you want the public to know that he was a music artist at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter? This is a pedophile who could have had contact with thousands of children at one of those attractions.
They did not protect children, PERIOD! Why are you suggesting that this is a smear? Really? You want your kids to go to this place? You sound like an abuser, not someone who cares about protecting children.
He performed there. It’s even in the headline.
Once again a leader who will not apologize to his victim .. even after being convicted. Not really surprising. I once saw Michal perform and he was a gifted musician. However that is not what he will be remembered for.
Disappointing story for sure. Equally troubling is the bitterness the victim is showing to the performer. The sexual harm is done and over, and conviction decided. But remaining bitterness as detailed here, has the real chance of wrecking the victim’s life long term. Not good, although our society applauds this type of lifelong victimhood. Forgiveness will free the victim to truly move forward. His life does not need to relive the horrible trauma forever. Can you see from this story why God requires us to forgive?
Anger is not bitterness. Being direct and passionate about the abuse he endured is not bitterness.
Based on your comments you are victim blaming and should be ashamed.