(Jamaica Gleaner) A prominent Jamaica-born international pastor was taken into custody at the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station in Westmoreland on Monday and was awaiting charges of carnal abuse and indecent assault.

Reports are that the 45-year-old pastor arrived in Jamaica on June 1 as guest speaker at a tent crusade in Little London, Westmoreland, and, while at one of the meetings, he met a 14-year-old girl. The two reportedly exchanged telephone numbers and the pastor, who holds a doctorate in divinity, asked the girl to accompany him on a trip to Clarendon.

The 14-year-old brought along a 15-year-old female friend for the trip on Saturday and it is alleged that, while travelling to Clarendon in a chauffeur-driven vehicle, the pastor fondled and kissed both girls several times.

On their return to Westmoreland, he allegedly took the girls to the hotel at which he was staying in Negril, claiming it was late. About 2 a.m. on Sunday, he sexually assaulted the 15-year-old twice while the younger girl watched.

Persons who became suspicious of the pastor’s activities informed the police and the girls, after being questioned, admitted what had occurred. The reverend was arrested Sunday evening, just as he was about to take the pulpit in front of thousands of people, from all across the island, who had travelled to witness his preaching.