Christians in Grenada stunned by pastor’s arrest

Gerald Griffith

by Kishawn Thomas
Caribbean Net News Grenada Correspondent
Email: kishawnthomas@hotmail.com

Monday, November 21, 2005

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: The Christian community in Grenada was shocked on Thursday after receiving news of the arrest of a Baltimore County, Maryland, pastor on sexual abuse charges.

Gerald Griffith, who visited Grenada on two occasions after Hurricane Ivan, opened the eyes of many here who attended his crusades. But despite the bad news many believe that Pastor Griffith is innocent.

Caribbean Net News understands that Baltimore County police have arrested Griffith, 39, and charged him with several counts of child abuse.

Police said they were contacted by the victims about alleged sexual abuse. It was noted that an investigation found that Griffith was sexually abusing the victims during counselling sessions in the church office.

A warrant was issued for Griffith’s arrest, and he was taken into custody at 4:02 pm on Tuesday, November 15, while waiting to board a previously scheduled flight to London at BWI airport.

He has been charged with sexual abuse to a minor, perverted practice, sodomy. 2nd degree sex offence, 3rd degree sex offence, 4th degree sex offence, and 2nd degree assault. He was taken before a court commissioner with bail set at $600,000.

On Wednesday he was bailed out of jail pending trial.

Investigators say they found that Griffith has travelled throughout the United States, and internationally with his ministry.

Baltimore County police are asking for anyone who may have been victimized locally, or outside of Baltimore County, by Pastor Griffith to contact Detective Charles Allan of the County Police Department at 410-853-3650.

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version