44-year-old church volunteer jailed for molesting son's 13-year-old friend at birthday party
A Texas church volunteer’s shocking betrayal has sent shockwaves through her community, as she receives a 5-year prison sentence for molesting her son’s 13-year-old friend. The case has sparked demands for stricter background checks and volunteer oversight to protect children from similar abuse.
Natalie Sorrells, a 44-year-old real estate agent and church volunteer from Rockwall County, Texas, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of molesting her son’s 13-year-old friend on multiple occasions, including at the boy’s birthday party. The incidents began in 2023 and came to light when the victim’s mother discovered deleted text messages in which Sorrells called the child “babe.” She was also fined $10,000 as part of her punishment, underscoring the severity of her crimes.
According to the court affidavit, Sorrells supplied the victim and his friends with alcohol and tobacco, then engaged in sexual contact with the boy both inside her car—after picking him up from a football game—and during her son’s party. The victim’s testimony, coupled with the incriminating text messages, formed the crux of the prosecution’s case. Authorities charged her with two counts of indecency with a child, reflecting Texas’s stringent laws on protecting minors.
Swift Conviction reinforces Texas’ Child abuse Laws; Lakepointe Church removes volunteer
Sorrells was arrested in February 2025 and, following a swift legal process, was found guilty and sentenced at a hearing earlier this month. The conviction came on the strength of digital evidence and firsthand accounts, leaving little room for doubt regarding her guilt. Her immediate removal from the community and the substantial prison term signal a tough stance by Texas courts against sexual offenses involving children.
Before her arrest, Sorrells was an active volunteer at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall. Upon learning of the charges, church leaders removed her from all duties, notified members, and restricted her access to minors, emphasizing that no misconduct occurred on church premises or during church-sponsored events. The church’s prompt response highlights the importance of safeguarding policies even in trusted community settings.
Community outrage spurs calls for Stricter volunteer vetting as Sorrells begins five-year sentence
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, where Sorrells was once regarded as a reliable caregiver and mentor. Neighbors and fellow parishioners have expressed feelings of betrayal, prompting calls for stricter background checks and oversight for volunteers who work with children. Child protection advocates argue that informal supervision arrangements must be reexamined in light of this breach of trust.
Natalie Sorrells, once a trusted church volunteer, is led into Rockwall County jail after receiving a five-year sentence for molesting her son’s 13-year-old friend. Photo: X
Legal experts note that Sorrells’s sentence reflects both the gravity of her actions and the state’s commitment to deterring similar offenses. As she begins her five-year term, the community is reminded of the responsibilities adults bear when entrusted with children’s safety. Any future appeals will be closely watched, but for now, the sentence stands as a firm message that child abuse will be met with severe consequences.
