Christian school pastor convicted of assault in beating of 8-year-old

An Odenton Christian School pastor could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after an Anne Arundel County judge convicted him yesterday on charges that he beat an 8-year-old pupil with a board.

The Rev. Timothy L. Yetter, 42, of the 8000 block of Piney Orchard Parkway pleaded not guilty by statement of facts to one count of second-degree assault. The unusual plea allows Yetter to preserve certain appeal rights.

After listening to the prosecutor recite a summary of the case, Circuit Judge Joseph P. Manck convicted Yetter on the charge.

Yetter was accused of beating the pupil March 16 on the buttocks 15 times with a 26-inch-long board because the boy disobeyed his teacher.

According to the uncontested statements of facts, Yetter gave the boy a choice of "sword or board" for his punishment. The child told his parents he thought the pastor would cut off his arms with the sword so he chose the alternative. Corporal punishment is part of the fundamentalist school's disciplinary policy. Parents sign releases to allow paddling.

Yetter's sentencing is scheduled Nov. 15.