NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk pastor will remain behind bars for sex crimes against a longtime member of his congregation.
Pastor Troy Edwards was charged with object sexual penetration and abduction with intent to defile. Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Hon. David Lannetti denied his bond Wednesday morning after hearing alleged threats Edwards made about using his guns then leaving the country.
Edwards was taken into custody at his church, Greater Emmanuel Ministries, two weeks ago.
In court today, Norfolk Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Johnson the told the Judge, “if you let him out there will be more victims.” Johnson adds Edwards “abused his position in the church,” he “used God to intimidate” a longtime member saying things like “disobeying him or his wife is like disobeying God.”
Court documents show the charges date back to 2018. Johnson describes the “very serious crimes.” She said Edwards “put his hand down her shirt.” Following marriage counseling, Edwards made “comments of a sexual nature.”
In a more egregious incident, the woman reports while volunteering at the church, Edwards “shut the door and locking” it to “inspect” her private parts.
The prosecutors call it “grooming behaviors” that his wife was aware of.
Vanessa Edwards, the lead Pastor of Greater Emmanuel Ministries, for previously told 10 On Your Side on July 12th she was informed of the allegations in 2021. She removed her husband from the pulpit.
“All that’s been said is fabricated. Some of it lies, some of it truth,” Vanessa Edwards said. “I’m not sure about everything. I wasn’t there, I don’t know. What’s puzzling to me is that she told me it had been going on a span of two years. I don’t understand that… if you were so afraid of him [or] if you didn’t want to hurt me. It hurt me worse now because you went two years serving me and didn’t say anything to your pastor who has been your pastor ever since you were five or six years old.”
At the time of the interview, Vanessa Edwards said she does not believe her husband committed the crimes.
“I’m not saying it didn’t happen, I’m not saying he didn’t do certain things,” Vanessa Edwards said. “I didn’t say he did everything that they’re accusing him of because I don’t have full facts of everything.”
On Wednesday, the criminal defense attorney said Troy Edwards is being misrepresented as a “cult leader” and the timeline of events is unclear. The defense said he moved to the states several years ago and served in the U.S. Navy. He has no previous charges. The attorney said the adult victim continued to attend the church following the alleged misconduct in a “friendly” manner.
Lannetti denied Troy Edwards’ bond after hearing alleged threats he made to clergy. Johnson said churchgoers reported him saying he “has guns and will do what is necessary then leave the country.” Johnson adds Edwards committed perjury, telling the magistrate under oath at one point he is employed at a local bank, then another time telling staff he has no job.
Vanessa Edwards and six church members appear to be keeping the faith as the case moves forward.
“God is good,” she and supporters said after leaving the courthouse. “That’s what I can tell you. That’s all we have to say.”
The next court date will likely be set for later this year. Stay with WAVY.com for updates.