A former pastor out of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Stricjavvar “Strick” Strickland, pled guilty to one count of knowingly offering to sell transportation services to engage in prostitution. Strickland was charged with four counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of child sexually abusive activity, and four counts of human trafficking of a minor. As part of this plea, the other criminal sex charges will be dropped, and he will not be placed on probation, nor will he be required to register as a sex offender. However, Strickland will serve a stint in jail.
Between 2015 and 2018, Strickland used his position within Kalamazoo Public Schools and Second Baptist Church to coerce four teens to engage in sex acts with his wife, Jazmonique Strickland, and send him nude photos in exchange for money. The charges against Jazmonique Strickland were dismissed last year, as the judge found insufficient evidence of Mrs. Strickland using her position at Kalamazoo Public Schools to coerce the victims.
The Michigan Penal Code outlines the charge Strickland pled guilty to as that of knowingly transporting or aiding and assisting in transporting a person for prostitution. The code further outlines that anyone guilty of this felony will serve not more than 20 years in prison, or pay no more than $20,000. Strickland is set to be sentenced in October, but the terms of his plea indicate that he will likely be sentenced to one year in jail.
Our team wants to fight for the closure, compensation, and justice that you deserve. Our trauma-informed legal team is here for you. We have experience advocating for a variety of survivors, including those of sexual assault at the hands of religious leaders. Call (888) 227-4770 or contact us online to speak with an attorney in a free, confidential consultation.