A pastor has been brought before the High Court, accused of serious indecency involving a young woman during a massage session. The trial, presided over by Justice Stanley John, began yesterday, with the defendant facing two charges related to the alleged incident on March 18, 2023. The complainant, aged 25 at the time, testified that the pastor had been her spiritual mentor since she joined his church in June 2022. She revealed that she had confided in him about her financial struggles and mental health issues, and he had encouraged her to reach out for support. In September 2022, while recovering from a knee injury, the pastor visited her home, bringing groceries and $200. Later, he suggested a massage to help her manage stress. The woman initially believed she would receive a spa gift certificate but was instead picked up by the pastor, who gave her $400 and promised an additional $300 to assist with her debts. He drove her to a private apartment, where he allegedly performed the massage himself. According to her testimony, he asked her to remove her underwear, commented on her body, and proceeded to engage in non-consensual oral sex and digital penetration. She claimed she tried to push him away and later reported the incident to her mother and a friend. The pastor allegedly apologized and offered to fund therapy sessions, urging her not to pursue legal action. The complainant reported the matter to the police on March 23. During cross-examination, the defense questioned the timeline of events and suggested the complainant’s actions indicated consent, which she denied. The trial continues today.
