Fired Duluth church youth leader, convicted in three more sexual assault cases

Gatlin, 36, pleaded guilty earlier this month to five counts of felony-level sexual conduct after a handful of women accused him of sexual abuse dating back to when they were still in school and he was in his 20s and in a position of authority within the Duluth church. At the time, his parents – reportedly aware of his actions – served as ministers. They resigned in early 2023 because they were unwilling to cooperate with an internal investigation. Gatlin was fired.

His parents, Michael and Brenda Gatlin, are the subject of nine civil lawsuits, in addition to Jackson Gatlin, Duluth Vineyard and Vineyard USA.

Tuesday’s ruling, which lasted about 10 minutes and, as was the case throughout, drew a packed courtroom. It focused on the last three victims whose claims against Gatlin are all similar. According to criminal complaints, the women told authorities about invitations to Gatlin’s home under false pretenses, during which they were attacked in his bedroom, his parents’ bedroom or in his car. One of the three victims told investigators that he was restraining her.

Victim 1’s mother told authorities she called Gatlin’s mother, but Brenda Gatlin told her, “We know your daughter is having problems.”

One victim came forward as Vineyard leader in late 2022, and more followed. The incidents were reported to the Duluth Police Department, along with Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE), a nonprofit organization that conducts independent investigations. In early 2023, some victims took their stories to social media.

Gatlin, who had worked with young people between 2006 and 2023, was charged in October 2023. He was briefly held in the St. Louis County Jail, where he returned after pleading guilty on Nov. 6.

None of Gatlin’s new sentences will exceed the 13 years he will serve, followed by a lifetime of conditions, including registering as a sex offender. Dressed in an oversized orange jumpsuit, he refused to speak in court.