(NY)
Radio Jamaica [Kingston, Jamaica]
November 8, 2024
A Jamaican born pastor is facing allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a teenage boy in New York two years ago.
According to the New York Post, Reverend Edward-Richard Hinds – leader of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council known as The GodSquad – was indicted on Thursday on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act and related charges.
He is accused of performing sexual acts on a 16-year-old on multiple occasions in December 2022.
Police arrested Hinds, 48, after executing a search warrant at his home.
The handcuffed cleric appeared in Brooklyn Supreme Court where he was arraigned on the charges.
A special prosecutor from the Staten Island district attorney’s office is handling the case.
Hinds, who was labelled a flight risk, is being held on $5,000 bail and $30,000 bond.
He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on December 13.
The allegations came to light in August when The God Squad reported the allegations to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and terminated Hinds from his leadership role following an internal investigation.
Hinds was also kicked off the Citywide Clergy Collective, an anti-gun violence initiative launched by Mayor Eric Adams’ administration earlier this year.