Brooklyn pastor, Dr. Paul Lewis, busted in Jamaica for teen sex rap
By Alison Gendar, Daily News Staff Writer
Originally published by Daily News, June 20, 2009
A Brooklyn pastor was busted in his native Jamaica for having sex with a 15–year–old girl while a 14–year–old watched, authorities said yesterday.
The Rev. Paul Lewis, founder of the Messengers for Christ Ministries World Healing Center, was held without bail on charges of carnal abuse and indecent assault, Jamaican police said.
The Bedford–Stuyvesant evangelist was arrested Wednesday after witnesses saw him hanging out with the girls and then taking them to a hotel, police said. Lewis, 45, who was on the island for a crusade at a local church, is accused of offering the girls between $30 and $60 for the romp.
In February, a 19–year–old Brooklyn woman filed a complaint claiming that Lewis, her former pastor, had raped her in a parking lot nearly a year before.
The teen returned to police a few days later to recant the allegation, claiming she and the pastor had a consensual sexual relationship, police sources said. The young woman said she wanted to end the romance and concocted the allegations. The case was closed and no charges were filed, police sources said.
Lewis' Web site claims he can perform healing miracles. "Only once in a lifetime does someone come along with such a gifting yet humble and caring spirit," his bio boasts.
Lewis' lawyer could not be reached for comment.
© Copyright 2009 Daily News, L.P.
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