NJ Pastor faces abuse and coercion charges after impregnating church member, pressuring her for abortion
Treva and Christine Edwards, a New Jersey couple, face serious charges after allegedly coercing church members into forced labor and sexual abuse under the guise of religious obedience.
According to federal prosecutors, a self-described pastor from New Jersey, and his wife, made his church congregants do manual labor, and sexual acts, for nearly 10 years. The pastor supposedly threatened church members with divine retribution if they did not comply with his orders.
Treva Edwards, 60 and Christine Edwards, 63, allegedly preyed on vulnerable victims and brought them to their church, "Jesus is Lord by the Holy Spirit," based out of their apartment building in Orange City, forcing victims to do hard work while also depriving them of food and sleep, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
ALSO SEE: What is happening to Wendy Williams? New documentary explores NJ talk show host's struggles
U.S. Pastor charged with forced labor and sexual abuse of congregants
Federal prosecutors claim Treva Edwards is charged with subjecting a woman to physical and sexual abuse multiple times, impregnating and her and pressuring her into getting an abortion, all while telling her and others that this was God's will.
"The defendant successfully instilled a notion in his victims that they would lose God's favor if they did not carry out the assignment they tasked them with" said the prosecutor's office. "The defendants isolated them, controlled their communications and movements, and made them believe that those outside their group were evil or possessed by the devil."
The couple allegedly had their enslaved workers do their physical labor, but did not pay them, provided them only one meal per day, assigned long hours of labor and prayer time for them. Federal officials say the operation continued from 2011 to 2020.
Pastor in New Jersey threatened congregants with divine punishment for disobedience
The prosecutors elaborated that Treva and Christine Edwards targeted individuals struggling personally, financially or with family issues, in order to recruit them. At this time, Treva Edwards referred to himself as "prophet", and claimed the ability to speak to God directly.
Edwards intimidated victims by indicating that disobeying his orders would result in divine punishment and consequences such as physical, emotional and financial. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the method by which the defendants sent this coercive message was equivalent to mind control or brainwashing.
New Jersey Pastor and wife arrested on forced labor and sex trafficking charges
Last week, the Edwards couple was arrested, and they will now face charges in a recently filed federal indictment accusing them of conspiracy to commit forced labor. Treva Edwards also faces additional charges related to forced labor and sex trafficking by means of force, fraud or coercion, federal prosecutors said.
If convicted, both could face a maximum penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment on forced labor conspiracy charges, said prosecutors. Treva Edwards could be subject to a sentence of 15 years to life if found guilty of sex trafficking charges.
New Jersey federal prosecutor Alina Habba said, "These charges are a testament to my office's commitment to a combat human trafficking within our community. We are eager to partner with our community partners to ensure that those who exploit the most vulnerable people in our community are held to fill of extent of the law."
