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	Hindu Priest from Jamaica Temple Arraigned on Sexual Abuse Charges By Craig Giammona Times Ledger [New York] September 8, 2006 http://www.timesledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17171085 &BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=573700&rfi=6 A Hindu priest from a temple in Jamaica was charged Thursday with sexually abusing two sisters, one of whom he allegedly tricked into participating in sexual acts under the guise of a religious cleansing ceremony, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Friday. Ramadhar Ramlal, 59, of 173rd Street in Jamaica was arrested Sept. 6 and charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old member of his temple three times in late 2002 and early 2003. In addition, Brown said Ramlal touched the breasts of the girl's sister, then 13, in the spring of 2003. Ramlal, a priest at USA Pandits Parishad Temple on 88th Avenue in Jamaica, had his bail set at $50,000 and is due back in court on Sept. 25. If convicted, Ramlal, a former police officer in Trinidad, faces up to four years in jail, Brown said. Ramlal's attorney Michael Gaffey was not available for comment Friday. According to Brown, Ramlal allegedly sexually assaulted the 16-year-old with his finger twice during fake religious rituals at a friend's apartment on 165th Street in Jamaica in late 2002. Ramlal allegedly told the girl the ritual would cleanse her of evil spirits, Brown said. Ramlal also allegedly raped the girl in February 2003 at an Econo Lodge on Rockaway Boulevard, Brown said. Ramlal is also accused of touching the girl 13-year-old sister's breasts over her clothes at the church in the Spring 2003. Brown said the investigation began last week when the older sister reported the incident to her college counselor, who subsequently encouraged the girl to report the crime.
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