Chris Hinton, Son Of Sex Offender: Father 'Went From Role Model To Worst Person'

Registered sex offenders are subjected to years of public embarrassment and scrutiny, but they aren't the only ones impacted by their crime. Their spouses and children suffer as well.

On HuffPost Live this week, Chris Hinton shared his story of discovering his father's secret and the impact it has had on his life. Hinton told HuffPost Live's Nancy Redd that the day he found out was "without a doubt" the worst day of his life. It all started with a phone call from his mother, who broke the news that his father was under investigation for molesting a child at the church where he served as part-time minister.

"With one phone call," Hinton said, "you have your father, your mentor, he was my minister at one point, my friend, role model, you have all that taken away."

Hinton's father pleaded guilty to eight counts of molestation and is now serving a 30-year minimum sentence in prison. Hinton told HuffPost Live that it has been 1 1/2 years since he first found out and that he's just now coming around to corresponding with his father occasionally through letters. Hinton says he also hopes to turn his family's tragedy into something positive by becoming an advocate for other families that are struggling to get their lives back together.

Watch the Full Segment on HuffPost Live.