A former Lenoir City pastor who was convicted in May of misdemeanor child neglect in Loudon County Criminal Court has died in Mauldin, S.C., officials learned early this week. Ariel Ben Sherman, who was serving an 11-month, 29-day probation, was charged alongside a member of his congregation, Jacqueline Crank. Crank's daughter, Jessica, 15, died 10 years ago of a rare type of bone cancer. Sherman and Crank were accused of neglect when they failed to take her to the hospital, opting for prayer instead of treatment. Assistant District Attorney Frank Harvey said he did not have any details about Sherman's death.
"His attorney just contacted me and said he passed, so no particulars," Harvey said. Sherman, who was known as Jessica's "spiritual father,"� previously led Universal Life Church in Lenoir City. Crank learned in February 2002 that Jessica was suffering from pain in her shoulder.
Sherman subsequently took the girl to a chiropractor, where doctors reported that she could have a severe medical condition. Lenoir City Police became involved after the clinic reported that Jessica had not been taken to the hospital for treatment.
The trial had been continued numerous times in the last 10 years. The defense's position earlier this year revolved around the Tennessee statute about child abuse and prayer.
That portion of the law says that, "Nothing in this part shall be construed to mean" child is abused or neglected "for the sole reason the child is being provided treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone ... in lieu of medical or surgical treatment."
 According to Tennessee court records, Crank and Sherman, who were being tried together, had filed an appeal in June. On Dec. 4, the defense requested an oral argument. A court date had not been set. "Her case is still on appeal; this terminates his basically," Harvey said. Defense attorney Donald A. Bosch could not be reached for comment.