BOSTON (WHDH) - A Boston pastor pleaded not guilty to multiple child rape charges in Dorchester District Court on Monday.
George Swain, a pastor at Greater Victory Temple in Mattapan, was arrested Friday on multiple counts of rape of a child and indecent assault and battery of a child under 14, according to Boston police.
Prosecutor Audrey Mark said he abused three children ranging in age from 8 to 16 years old, at the church and in his home over the course of many years.
“Each of these children were encouraged by their families to spend time at the church and with the defendant in particular because he was seen as a role model and the families looked up to him,” Mark said.
Two of the boys were said to have suffered the abuse inside the church. The third victim was allegedly abused at Swain’s home during overnight visits.
The 71-year-old Dorchester man admitted to some of the crimes but denied any other abuse.
Swain was not in court on Monday because he is currently hospitalized with congestive heart failure. His attorney, Lauren Greenberg says jail is too dangerous for him at this time.
“Not only is COVID a concern for him because of his age, he’s 71 years old, It is also a concern because he has a breathing difficulty, and COVID-19 is a disease that affects the lungs,” she said.
Anyone with information surrounding this investigation is asked to call Boston police detectives at (617) 343-6183 or leave an anonymous tip by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)