31 Oct 2010

New York-based Pentecostal faith healer Paul Lewis charged with sexual abuse of 15 year old girl

The Daily Gazette - Associated Press Schenectady, New York June 17, 2009

NY minister faces sex-abuse charges in Jamaica

By HOWARD CAMPBELL | Associated Press Writer

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) -- A New York-based Pentecostal faith healer who has led crusades around the world was charged Wednesday with sexually abusing a teenage girl in his native Jamaica.

Jamaican police say 45-year-old Paul Lewis was charged with carnal abuse and indecent assault in an incident involving a 15-year-old girl in the city of Negril.

Lewis, who was arrested on Sunday, made an initial court appearance on the charges but did not enter a plea. A judge ordered him held without bail.

Defense lawyer Michael Erskine says his client denies the allegations.

Lewis' Web site identifies him as pastor for The Messengers for Christ World Healing Center in Brooklyn. The church did not respond to requests for comment.

The Web site says the minister has preached in the Bahamas, Canada, Jamaica, Europe and Africa. In infomercials and on his Web site he has pitched a "miracle olive oil soap" that he claims can cure diseases including AIDS and cancer and bring prosperity.

This article was found at: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CB_JAMAICA_MINISTER_SEX_ALLEGATIONS_NY

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