NYC pastor facing ‘heinous and deeply disturbing’ allegations of repeated sexual abuse of teen boy: sources
A politically-connected Brooklyn reverend who dedicated his life to mentoring young children is facing disturbing allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a teenage boy two years ago, according to sources.
Rev. Edward-Richard Hinds – leader of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council known as The GodSquad – was indicted Thursday on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act and related charges after allegedly performing sexual acts on a 16-year-old on multiple occasions in December 2022, sources said.
Police arrested Hinds, 48, early Thursday morning after executing a search warrant at his home.
The handcuffed cleric appeared in Brooklyn Supreme Court where he was arraigned on the horrific charges. A special prosecutor from the Staten Island district attorney's office is handling the case.
The sickening claims came to light in August when The GodSquad reported the allegations to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office and terminated Hinds from his leadership role following an internal investigation, according to an Aug. 12 news release the faith-based group posted to X.
Hinds was also kicked off the Citywide Clergy Collective, an anti-gun violence initiative launched by Mayor Eric Adams' administration earlier this year.
"The allegations against Pastor Hinds are heinous and deeply disturbing, which is why he was immediately removed from the Citywide Clergy Collective and God Squad as soon as they came to light," a City Hall spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Hinds was never 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 is also facing charges of two counts of sexual misconduct, forcible touching, third-degree sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child, sources said.
Hinds, who was labeled a flight risk in court, is being held on $5,000 bail and $30,000 bond.
He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on Dec. 13.
A lawyer for Hinds did not return a request for comment.
