Allegations of Abuse and Manipulation Surface
Pastor Treva Edwards, 60, and his wife, Christine Edwards, 63, were arrested in Orange, New Jersey, on charges of sex trafficking, forced labor, and conspiracy to commit forced labor. Federal prosecutors allege the couple used their church, Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost, as a front to exploit vulnerable followers. The church operated out of an apartment building where members lived and worked under coercive conditions.
Exploitation Under Religious Pretense
According to the indictment, from 2011 to 2020, the Edwardses recruited individuals facing personal hardships and promised spiritual salvation through obedience and labor. Treva Edwards claimed to be a prophet who could communicate with God, instilling fear of divine punishment to enforce control. Congregants were told that performing unpaid labor was necessary to serve God and maintain their standing within the church.
Claims of Sexual Abuse and Forced Abortions
One victim, known as Victim 1, accused Treva Edwards of repeated physical and sexual assaults inside the church over seven years. The indictment states that Edwards impregnated the victim and ordered her to have an abortion. Victims were discouraged from seeking medical care and were instead told that divine healing would come through loyalty to the pastor.
Labor Without Pay and Psychological Control
The Edwardses allegedly secured commercial labor contracts and sent their congregants to work without compensation. Tasks included hauling trash, exterminating infestations, and cleaning raw sewage. Christine Edwards obtained these contracts through her job at a property management company. Victims worked long hours under harsh conditions and were deprived of basic needs like sleep and rest.
Reactions from Officials and the Community
Federal officials condemned the exploitation masked as faith. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the guise of faith,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. Supporters of the investigation emphasize the importance of holding religious leaders accountable. Critics, however, express concern about religious freedom being scrutinized through a criminal lens, fearing it could lead to overreach in less clear-cut cases.
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Pastor claimed members could be absolved of sins by hauling trash, sexually assaulted member: DOJ
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