IOWA
Journal-Express
By Clint Brown Journal-Express
Adel — Tuesday’s session of the trial of Patrick Edouard, former pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, saw the conclusion of Edouard’s cross-examination by prosecutors and also a pair of expert witnesses with psychology backgrounds.
Edouard is being charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse and four counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist. He allegedly forced sexual contact on at least three women while serving as the minister from 2003-10.
Edouard commented during his testimony on Tuesday that if he had not been caught the affairs mentioned would still be ongoing. When asked about investments he had made with money that was given as gifts from one of the victims. Edouard claimed to not recall exact details of the investments he made and believed that much of the money was lost when the market took a downturn during the time of the affairs.
When asked about specify details about conversations he had with victims, sexual and also other matters, Edouard, again, couldn’t remember details of those conversations. Details Edouard gave to the court regarding where sexual activities would occur contradicted what the victims had told the court. Edouard told the court this each of the relationships had ended prior to his resignation with the church. Although he as unsure of exact dates and lengths of each relationship. He was able to give the court somewhat of a broad estimate length of each relationship.
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