Ex-pastor sentenced for sexually abusing children in his Casper congregation
CASPER (WNE) — A former Casper minister was sentenced to 10-12 years in prison Wednesday after admitting to sexually abusing two 8-year-old members of his congregation.
John Byrum Dierenfeldt, 60, pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor earlier this year.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped one count of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor and capped their sentencing recommendation.
Third-degree sexual abuse of a minor carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Judge Joshua Eames ordered the two sentences — each for 12-15 years — to be served concurrently.
The abuse was first reported in 2022 when one of the victims disclosed that she was assaulted by Dierenfeldt back in 2001, according to an affidavit filed with the charges.
The victim told investigators that while she used Dierenfeldt’s computer, he had her sit on his lap and touched her in a manner that made her “feel uncomfortable.”
In a phone conversation with investigators after that report, Dierfenfeldt admitted to his actions with that victim and told investigators about his “horrible childhood” before quoting Ephesians and lamenting “how he gave Satan a foothold,” according to the affidavit.
The second victim cited in the affidavit reported similar experiences with Dierenfeldt in a March 2022 interview.
Wednesday’s sentencing hearing included two victim impact statements and character witnesses for Dierenfeldt who spoke of his involvement in the church, impact on their children’s lives and hunting trips. Nineteen people filed letters in support of Dierenfeldt in addition to those that spoke.
Victim impact statements included tearful testimony of how one victim’s life was altered by the assaults she suffered.
“I still remember the rape, even though I don’t want to,” she said.
She added she developed seizures after the assault and would be on medication for the rest of her life. She also said she now suffers panic attacks whenever she enters a church or thinks about going.
This story was published on Nov. 22, 2025.