New York pastor faces 'disgusting and deeply disturbing' allegations of repeated sexual abuse of teenage boy: sources

A Brooklyn priest who devoted his life to mentoring young children is facing disturbing allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a young boy.

A politically connected Brooklyn pastor who devoted his life to mentoring young children is facing disturbing allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a teenage boy two years ago, sources say.

The Rev. Edward-Richard Hinds, leader of the District 67 Clergy Council, known as The GodSquad, was charged Thursday with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and related charges after he allegedly performed sexual acts on a 16-year-old boy multiple times. Sources said it is in December 2022.

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

Hinds was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and related charges, sources said. 67Priest Council/X

The handcuffed cleric appeared in Brooklyn Supreme Court on the horrific charges. A special prosecutor from the Staten Island district attorney’s office is prosecuting the case.

The sickening allegations came to light in August, when GodSquad reported the allegations to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and removed Hinds from his leadership role following an internal investigation. According to a report published on August 12, the faith-based group made a post on X.

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

Hinds was terminated from The GodSquad after sickening allegations emerged in August. Rowenhinds/X

“The allegations against Pastor Hinds are disgusting and deeply disturbing, which is why he was immediately suspended from the Citywide Clergy Community and God Team as soon as these allegations emerged,” a City Hall spokesperson said in a statement. he said, adding that Hinds was never charged. a city representative.

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

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

Hinds, who is considered a flight risk in court, is being held on $5,000 bail and $30,000 surety.

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

Hinds’ attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

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