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Pastor abuses, impregnates NJ church member, tells her to get abortion, feds say
Pastor abuses, impregnates NJ church member, tells her to get abortion, feds say

Miami Herald

time13-05-2025

  • Miami Herald

Pastor abuses, impregnates NJ church member, tells her to get abortion, feds say

The self-proclaimed pastor of a New Jersey church, which he founded with his wife, 'spread fear' among members through religious rhetoric and forced them into unpaid labor, including one woman he repeatedly physically and sexually abused, federal prosecutors said. Treva Edwards, 60, impregnated the woman he sexually assaulted inside his church over a span of seven years, then told her to get an abortion, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey. He and his wife, Christine Edwards, 63, who also described herself as a pastor, ran their church, 'Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost,' out of an apartment building in Orange, where they lured people into becoming members as part of a forced labor scheme between 2011 and 2020, according to prosecutors. Individuals facing hardship in their lives were targeted by the Edwardses, who preached that they 'would lose favor with God if they did not perform labor,' prosecutors said. Treva and Christine Edwards deprived church members of sleep, meals and had them perform work related to residential and commercial property maintenance in the Orange area, according to an indictment against the couple. Treva Edwards, who declared himself a prophet, and his wife told church members it was 'God's will' for them to work, according to prosecutors. Treva Edwards is accused of threatening violence and other punishments if they disobeyed him. Now, he's been indicted on charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, forced labor and a conspiracy to commit forced labor, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a May 10 news release. Christine Edwards is also charged with a conspiracy to commit forced labor. 'We will not comment on this ongoing litigation at this time,' Treva Edwards' federal public defender, Michael Alexander Thomas, said in a statement to McClatchy News on May 13. Christine Edwards' defense attorney, F.R. Chip Dunne III, told McClatchy News that she 'categorically denies the allegations' and said the charges are 'unfounded.' 'She has spent her professional life working to uplift others, acting with integrity, compassion, and dedication to her community,' Dunne said in an emailed statement on May 13. Required to work and pray For years, according to prosecutors, Treva Edwards used fear and religious rhetoric to manipulate his church members to control 'every aspect of their lives, and compel them to perform unpaid labor.' He and his wife obtained contracts for labor, then made church members carry out a variety of property-related services, according to the filing. The contracts were secured by Christine Edwards, through a property management company she worked for, prosecutors said. Church members were forced to gut and clean properties, remove bulk trash, clean sewage, move furniture, handle rodent infestations and shovel snow, the indictment says. Despite their work, they were never paid, according to prosecutors, who said the Edwardses 'kept the money (they) earned.' Treva Edwards controlled members through verbally and emotionally abusive behavior, threats of 'reputational harm, homelessness, hunger, spiritual retribution, punishments, and more hard labor,' according to prosecutors. They were required to work late hours, pray late into the evening and to wake up early to worship during church sermons that went on for hours, prosecutors wrote in the indictment. After working, Treva and Christine Edwards would allow members to have their first and only meal of the day, according to the filing. Members had to abstain from 'Five Loves' Treva Edwards preached to the woman he regularly sexually abused, and to others, that they had to give up five aspects of life if they intended to go to heaven, according to the filing. He told them they had to 'abstain' from 'Five Loves:' food, sleep, sex, money and pleasure, prosecutors said. Treva Edwards also discouraged them from getting medical care, telling them 'God would heal members who were in good standing with' him as their pastor, prosecutors wrote in the indictment. In late 2019, Treva and Christine Edwards held a 'struggle session' with all church members to prevent the woman he impregnated from leaving the congregation, according to the filing. In a statement, Ricky J. Patel, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations' Newark Division, said 'Treva and Christine Edwards turned a source of hope into a tool of fear by allegedly exploiting religious faith to manipulate victims and expose them to sexual violence and forced labor conditions.' Christine Edwards, according to her defense attorney, plans to argue against the government's accusations. She 'asks for privacy for herself and her family during this difficult time as she focuses on defending her good name,' Dunne told McClatchy News. Treva and Christine Edwards would both face up to 20 years in prison if they're each convicted of the conspiracy charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. If Treva Edwards is convicted of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, he'd face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. If convicted of forced labor, he'd face up to life in prison if the government can prove that the alleged forced labor was related to aggravated sexual abuse, prosecutors said.

US Pastor, Wife Accused Of Forcing Church Members Into Slave Labour, Sexual Exploitation For A Decade
US Pastor, Wife Accused Of Forcing Church Members Into Slave Labour, Sexual Exploitation For A Decade

NDTV

time13-05-2025

  • NDTV

US Pastor, Wife Accused Of Forcing Church Members Into Slave Labour, Sexual Exploitation For A Decade

A self-proclaimed pastor from New Jersey and his wife forced church members into slave labour and sex for nearly a decade, telling them God would punish them if they didn't submit, federal prosecutors said. Treva Edwards, 60, and his 63-year-old wife, Christine, lured vulnerable locals to the Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost church in their Orange apartment building, forcing them to perform gruelling work in the community while depriving them of food and sleep, the US Attorney's Office for New Jersey said. According to federal prosecutors, Treva Edwards is also accused of subjecting one woman to "repeated physical and sexual assaults," getting her pregnant and demanding she get an abortion, all the while telling her and other victims it was all God's will, the New York Post reported. "The defendants convinced the victims that they would lose favour with God if they did not perform labour," prosecutors said in a statement. "The defendants isolated the victims, monitored their communications and whereabouts, and convinced them that non-members were evil or possessed by the devil. The Edwards allegedly contracted out the services of their recruited slave labour force but pocketed all the proceeds, feeding them only once a day and keeping them on a strict regimen of work and prayer. The couple allegedly ran the brutal scheme from 2011 until 2020, the feds said. Prosecutors said they "identified and recruited victims who were facing struggles in their personal lives, including financial and familial struggles," while Treva Edwards told them "that he was a prophet who could communicate directly with Gold." Disobeying him "would result in spiritual retribution from God, as well as physical, emotional and financial harm," according to the US Attorney's office. The two alleged scammers were charged in a federal indictment last week, accusing both of conspiracy to commit forced labour, with Treva Edwards also charged with forced labour and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, federal prosecutors said. They said both were detained after being charged on Wednesday. It is not immediately clear if they have retained a lawyer or are still being held in federal custody. If convicted, the two face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years to life on the labour conspiracy charges, while Treva Edwards faces 15 years to life if found guilty of the sex charge, prosecutors said. "These charges are an example of my office's tireless commitment to combating human trafficking in our community," US Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said in a statement. "We are committed to working alongside our partners to ensure that those who target the most vulnerable are brought to justice."

‘Pastor,' wife forced church members into sleepless hell of slave labor, sex — with threats of God's wrath: feds
‘Pastor,' wife forced church members into sleepless hell of slave labor, sex — with threats of God's wrath: feds

New York Post

time11-05-2025

  • New York Post

‘Pastor,' wife forced church members into sleepless hell of slave labor, sex — with threats of God's wrath: feds

A self-proclaimed New Jersey pastor and his wife forced church members into slave labor and sex for nearly a decade — telling them God would punish them if they didn't submit, federal prosecutors said. Treva Edwards, 60, and his 63-year-old wife, Christine, lured vulnerable local to the Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost church in their Orange apartment building, forcing them to perform grueling work in the community while depriving them of food and sleep, the US Attorneys Office for New Jersey said. According to federal prosecutors, Treva Edwards is also accused of subjecting one woman to 'repeated physical and sexual assaults,' getting her pregnant and demanding she get an abortion — all the while telling her and the other victims it was all God's will. 3 Federal prosecutors in New Jersey said Treva and Christine Edwards ran a forced labor scheme for nine years. REUTERS 'The defendants convinced the victims that they would lose favor with God if they did not perform labor,' prosecutors said in a statement. 'The defendants isolated the victims, monitored their communications and whereabouts, and by convincing them that non-members were evil or possessed by the devil. The Edwards allegedly contacted out the services of their recruited slave labor force but pocketed all the proceeds, feeding them only once a day and keeping them on a strict regimen of work and prayer. The couple allegedly ran the brutal scheme from 2011 until 2020, the feds said. Prosecutors said they 'identified and recruited victims who were facing struggles in their personal lives, including financial and familial struggles,' while Treva Edwards told them 'that he was a prophet who could communicate directly with God.' 3 US Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said the case against Treva and Christine Edwards defended 'the most vulnerable.' AP Disobeying him 'would result in spiritual retribution from God, as well as physical, emotional and financial harm,' according to the US Attorney's office. The two alleged scammers were charged in a federal indictment last week, accusing both with conspiracy to commit forced labor, with Treva Edwards also charged with forced labor and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, federal prosecutors said. They said both were detained after being charged on Wednesday. It is not immediately clear if they have retained a lawyer or were still being held in federal custody. 3 Federal prosecutors said vulnerable New Jersey residents were lured into a forced labor scheme at an Orange church. Brian Wells/Times Herald / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images If convicted, the two face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years to life on the labor conspiracy charges, while Treva Edwards faces 15 years to life if found guilty of the sex charge, prosecutors said. 'These charges are an example of my office's tireless commitment to combating human trafficking in our community,' US Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said in a statement. 'We are committed to working alongside our partners to ensure that those who target the most vulnerable are brought to justice.'

Exclusive: Bishop Strickland Reveals Worry Over Growing Divide Between US and Vatican
Exclusive: Bishop Strickland Reveals Worry Over Growing Divide Between US and Vatican

Newsweek

time01-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Newsweek

Exclusive: Bishop Strickland Reveals Worry Over Growing Divide Between US and Vatican

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Joseph Strickland, the former bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, told Newsweek that he was deeply concerned over who would be chosen to succeed Pope Francis as leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the growing divide between the U.S. and the Vatican. "I am concerned, yes—but not primarily about diplomatic ties or political alliances," he said. "What worries me is the deeper moral and spiritual divide between the prevailing culture in the United States and the truths the Church is called to proclaim." Why It Matters Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on April 21, marking the end of a 12-year papacy that saw the late pontiff trying to adjust the Roman Catholic Church to a changing, modern world. The conclave, a closed-door gathering of all cardinals under the age of 80 who choose the next pontiff from among themselves, could decide whether the church will continue in the footsteps of the relatively progressive Francis or choose a more conservative, traditionalist leader—as Strickland hopes. What To Know Francis, who died at the age of 88 and was buried on Saturday in the St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, was considered by many a liberal and progressive leader of the church. During his papacy, Francis argued to combat climate change and advocated for social justice while trying to open the church to LGBTQ+ communities. For these efforts, he was often criticized by conservative forces within the church, including Strickland, who in a letter sent from Mar-a-Lago in March accused Francis of failing to "refuse" the "siren call of sodomy." At that time, Strickland had already been removed from his post at the Tyler Diocese under Francis' order after an investigation into his handling of the church in 2023 found his continuation in office "was not feasible." Strickland, who became an even more vocal critic of the pope after that, said he was removed "because forces in the church right now don't want the truth of the Gospel." Cardinals removing their mitres during the third Novendiales mass held for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on April 28. Cardinals removing their mitres during the third Novendiales mass held for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on April is now concerned that the conclave, which is gathering on May 7, will continue Francis' legacy. "My concern is that the conclave could seek to extend the direction taken during Pope Francis' pontificate, with less emphasis on doctrinal clarity and liturgical tradition," he said. "Since many of the electors were appointed by him, there's a real possibility the outcome could reflect personal or political alignments rather than a true openness to the Holy Ghost," he continued. "Still, my trust is in Christ, who never abandons His Church. I pray the next pope will be a man of deep faith, courage, and fidelity to our sacred Tradition." 'A Man of Deep Personal Holiness in a Time of Confusion' Strickland did not have a specific name in mind for whom he would like to be elected as the next pope, but he had an idea of the qualities needed for the role. "He must be a man of deep personal holiness, with a profound love for Jesus Christ and His Church. He should be courageous, willing to defend the Faith without compromise, especially in a time of confusion," he said. "He must also be rooted in Tradition, with a reverence for the sacred liturgy, and a clear teacher who proclaims the truth in charity but without ambiguity," Strickland continued. "The Church needs a shepherd who unites, not by erasing differences, but by calling all souls back to the heart of Christ through fidelity, clarity, and sacrificial love." The Future of U.S.-Vatican Relations Francis was known to be critical of President Donald Trump, whose aggressive stance against migration he had already condemned as "not Christian" in 2016. Despite the public clashes between the two men, Trump attended Francis' funeral on Saturday "out of respect," praising the late pontiff as a "good man" who "loved the world." Should the next pope be chosen in the mold of Francis, it is likely there will be new clashes between the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the Trump administration. Strickland said he was deeply concerned over the future of the relations between the U.S. and the Vatican, which he saw as walking in different directions. "When the Vatican appears to accommodate secular ideologies rather than confront them with the Gospel, it creates confusion among the faithful," he said. "The next pope must have the courage to speak truth to power—not just to governments, but to a world that is losing its sense of God." According to Strickland, the biggest problems within the church at the moment are a "loss of faith" and what he called "the widespread erosion of belief" in the authority of the sacred scriptures and tradition. "This has led to confusion among the faithful, division within the hierarchy, and a Church that often seems to mirror the world rather than challenge it," Strickland said. "The next pope must address this crisis by restoring clarity, reverence, and a firm proclamation of the truths of the Catholic Faith. Without truth, charity loses its power—and without faith, the Church cannot fulfill her mission," he added. What Happens Next The conclave is expected to comprise 135 cardinals under the age of 80. They are scheduled to gather inside the Sistine Chapel on May 7, remaining there until a two-thirds majority backs the same candidate to become the next pope. While there is much speculation about the front-runners to succeed Francis, the process of choosing a new pope is largely unpredictable. As Strickland said, a majority of those in the conclave were appointed by Francis. However, that does not mean they will vote in line with the late pontiff. As for Strickland, he did not hope that a more conservative pope would reinstate him in his role as the bishop of the Tyler Diocese. "My hope is not to regain any particular role or office, but to remain faithful to the mission God has given me," he said. "I loved the people of the Diocese of Tyler dearly, and serving them as their bishop was one of the greatest privileges of my life. But I also recognize that the Lord often calls us beyond what is familiar, and I believe He is now asking me to serve the wider Church in a different way," he added. Strickland continued: "My vocation has not changed—only the scope of it. I trust in God's providence and remain at the service of the Church, wherever that may lead."

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