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New York pastor faces ‘heinous and deeply disturbing’ allegations of repeated sexual abuse of teen: sources
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New York pastor faces ‘heinous and deeply disturbing’ allegations of repeated sexual abuse of teen: sources

A Brooklyn reverend who has dedicated his life to mentoring young children is facing disturbing allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a teenager.

A Brooklyn reverend who has dedicated his life to mentoring young children is facing disturbing allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a teenager.

A politically connected Brooklyn reverend who has devoted his life to mentoring young children is facing disturbing allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a teenager two years ago, according to sources.

rev. Edward-Richard Hinds — the leader of the 67th Clergy Council, known as The GodSquad — was indicted Thursday on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act and related charges after allegedly performing sexual acts on a young man for 16 years on several occasions. in December 2022, sources said.

Police arrested Hinds, 48, on Thursday morning after executing a search warrant at his home.

Hinds was indicted on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual intercourse and related charges, sources said. 67 Council of the Clergy/XHinds was indicted on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual intercourse and related charges, sources said. 67 Council of the Clergy/X

Hinds was indicted on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual intercourse and related charges, sources said. 67 Council of the Clergy/X

The handcuffed cleric appeared in Brooklyn Supreme Court where he was arraigned on the horrific charges. A special prosecutor from the Staten Island District Attorney’s office is handling the case.

The outrageous claims came to light in August, when The GodSquad reported the allegations to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and removed Hinds from his leadership role following an internal investigation. according to an Aug. 12 news release the faith-based group posted on X.

Hinds also launched the Citywide Clergy Collective, an anti-gun violence initiative launched by Mayor Eric Adams’ administration earlier this year.

Hinds was terminated from his role on The GodSquad when the outrageous allegations came to light in August. Rowenhinds/XHinds was terminated from his role on The GodSquad when the outrageous allegations came to light in August. Rowenhinds/X

Hinds was terminated from his role on The GodSquad when the outrageous allegations came to light in August. Rowenhinds/X

“The allegations against Pastor Hinds are heinous and deeply disturbing, which is why he was immediately removed from the Citywide Clergy Collective and God’s Team as soon as they came to light,” a City Hall spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Hinds was never a representative of the city.

“We will continue to work with local clergy and community groups to stop violence before it happens on our streets.”

The cleric also faces charges of two counts of sexual misconduct, forcible touching, third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, sources said.

Hinds, who was labeled a flight risk in court, is being held on $5,000 bond and $30,000 bond.

He has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on December 13.

An attorney for Hinds did not return a request for comment.