Pastor's Wife Says She Didn't Know about Affairs

KCCI
August 20, 2012

http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/What-did-pastor-say-when-confronted-about-allegations/-/9357080/16195490/-/x4pvg7z/-/index.html

[with video]

The former pastor of a Pella church took the witness stand Monday afternoon in his sexual abuse and exploitation trial.

Prosecutors said Patrick Edouard used his position of power at Covenant Reform Church to coerce four women members into having sexual relations with him.

Edouard is charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse, and four counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist, school employee or clergy.

In a matter of fact tone, Edouard told jurors Monday that each of the four affairs he had was consensual.

Edouard's wife Grace also took the stand as a witness for the defense. She testified that she had no idea her husband was having sexual relations with other women until he told her in December of 2010.

The two are still married and currently living in Michigan. Both Grace and Patrick Edouard said they spent time with each of the accusers and their husbands socially, and even became close friends with some of them.

Grace Edouard testified that she always warned her husband about one of the women -- saying she was too flirtatious.

"I warned my husband telling him several times, 'Watch out for that woman, she almost has the word available written on her forehead. I don't like it,'" said Grace Edouard.

Edouard said he and that woman became secret lovers, and that her claim that he raped her is not true.

"We liked each other and we were lovers," said Patrick Edouard.

Monday morning, the state called an elder of the church to the stand.

Clarence Hettinga got emotional, even wiping away tears as he talked about finding out about Edouard's alleged sexual contact with members of the church.

Hettinga said that one of the women's husband approached him about it. Hettinga then set up a meeting with the other elders to ask Edouard questions.

Prosecutor Laura Roan asked Hettinga how Edouard responded when asked if he had had inappropriate conduct with anyone in the congregation.

"His answer was 'Yes,' one person, and that she kissed me in the study," said Hettinga.

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