No prison time for Canton pastor found guilty in connection with death of teenager

CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) - A Canton pastor will not be going to prison for causing the death of a 14-year-old boy whom he allowed to ride on the outside of a church van.

In April, a jury found Rushon Patterson II, 27, not guilty of reckless homicide, but guilty of involuntary manslaughter and riding on the outside of a motor vehicle for the death of Malachi Nichols-Williams in 2025.

On Wednesday, Patterson returned to court for sentencing, but due to a legal technicality, the involuntary manslaughter charge was dismissed.

Patterson was given a $150 fine for the second charge.

The deadly incident happened on Sept. 6, 2025.

Patterson allowed Nichols-Williams to ride on the outside of a Ford van, owned by Alive Now Church, which Patterson was operating.