Public help sought in sex abuse case in Sussex

Posted 3/31/22

ELLENDALE — The Delaware Department of Justice on Thursday asked potential victims of a Sussex County pastor in a sex abuse case to contact law enforcement.

According to the DOJ, Major …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already a member? Log in to continue.   Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Public help sought in sex abuse case in Sussex

Posted

ELLENDALE — The Delaware Department of Justice on Thursday asked potential victims of a Sussex County pastor in a sex abuse case to contact law enforcement.

According to the DOJ, Major Foster, of Lincoln, who at the time was employed as pastor of Ellendale’s Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, faces pending charges after inappropriately touching multiple women.

“I am grateful to the women who have come forward to the Delaware State Police and our prosecutors,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “We have reason to believe that Foster’s alleged years-long pattern of abuse includes as yet unreported, additional instances.

“We ask that any additional victims or witnesses with information come forward. We will be there to support you.”

Mr. Foster was indicted in November by a Sussex County grand jury on three counts of third-degree unlawful sexual contact following an investigation into multiple reports that, from 2013 to 2020, he attempted to use scripture to coerce female parishioners into sexual relationships, made inappropriate comments and instigated prolonged hugs during which he made inappropriate sexual contact with persons, the DOJ said.

Mr. Foster was also charged with offensive touching for allegedly pushing a person’s husband when confronted, the DOJ said.

According to the DOJ, the state was aware of three alleged victims at the time of Mr. Foster’s original indictment; prosecutors now have reason to believe that additional persons may be unidentified.

The state asks anyone with information about the case to contact Delaware State Police Det. L. Coleman at 302-752-3813.

Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X