Vanessa Edwards expressed sadness that the victim pressed charges.
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“They were one of the best families in my ministry,” Vanessa Edwards said. “They really were. That’s what hurts so bad. All that’s been said is fabricated. Some of it lies, some of it truth. Two years ago, you said he was making passes at you. My opinion about it was, you should have stopped it from the very beginning.”
Vanessa Edwards indicated that she didn’t believe her husband was capable of committing the crimes of which he was accused, adding, “Right now, I’m just waiting to see what way God is going to tell me to handle it.”
The victim was present at Edwards’ sentencing. Prosecutors indicated that they had spoken at length with the victim, and the victim approved of the plea agreement.
“I am happy because the public is now apprised of his persistent, unwanted, assaultive and lewd behaviors, sexually inappropriate comments, spiritual manipulation, and abuse of religious authority,” the victim said in a statement.
“It was hard to come forward, but with the love and support of my family, I gained the confidence to speak up,” the victim said. “I hope the results of my case will help ignite a wave of silent victims, especially in the church, to come forward and seek justice.”
Greater Emmanuel Ministries’ website has been deactivated. ChurchLeaders attempted to reach out to the church for comment via the phone number and email address listed on the church’s Facebook page, but neither is active.
