A 53-year-old senior pastor at a Canberra-based church will face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with multiple sex offences including sexual intercourse without consent and acts of indecency.
The man allegedly used his position within the church to conduct ‘prayers of deliverance’ on members of his congregation, where he would tell them they would be cursed and their family members would die if they did not engage in sexual behaviour with him.
Police suspect the pastor may have committed similar acts in the ACT, NSW and New Zealand.
Detective Station Sergeant Matt Reynolds said police believed there may be more victims who were yet to come forward.
“This is a particularly sinister crime, where someone appears to have used a position of power for their own sexual gratification,” Detective Station Sergeant Reynolds said. “It is distressing to see this type of exploitation still going on in our community.
“We certainly suspect there could be further victims out there, and we are urging anyone with information about this man’s activities to come forward and speak to police.”
Police urge anyone who may have any information about this matter to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
Please quote reference 6298421. Information can be provided anonymously.
Original Article published by Lachlan Roberts on The RiotACT.
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