Rev. Edward-Richard Hinds, a pastor and community organizer in Brooklyn, New York, faces seven criminal charges after being accused of performing sex acts with a teen boy on multiple occasions.
Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse that some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.
Hinds had been the executive director of 67th Precinct Clergy Council, known as the GodSquad, a faith-based organization aimed at reducing gun violence. Prior to his work with the GodSquad, Hinds had worked as a youth pastor at Rugby Deliverance Tabernacle in Brooklyn.
The charges against Hinds stem from alleged incidents that took place in 2022 involving a 16-year-old teen boy, according to Daily News. The alleged sexual encounters, one of which is said to have occurred on Christmas Eve in 2022, were reportedly not forcible.
None of the alleged sexual encounters that occurred after the victim turned 17, which is the age of consent in New York, are reflected in the charges.
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These charges come roughly three months after Hinds was removed from leadership at the GodSquad after the group became aware of “serious allegations” against him.
“Less than a month ago, allegations involving our executive director were brought to our attention that required immediate and serious action,” the GodSquad said in a statement on Aug. 12. “When our board was notified of these allegations, we promptly removed our executive director from the position and commenced an in-depth and thorough investigation, which is still ongoing.”
“In light of the serious allegations involving our Executive Director, we want to reassure our community that we are handling this matter with the utmost seriousness and integrity,” the statement continued. “As members of the clergy, we hold ourselves to a higher standard, and it is with this responsibility in mind that we have taken immediate action.”
The GodSquad indicated that it had also notified law enforcement officials about the allegations against Hinds.
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“We remain dedicated to transparency and will continue to keep our community informed as the investigation progresses, prioritizing the trust, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved,” the group said. “We are committed to restoring hope and ensuring safe, dignified communities for everyone.”
