Reverend Paul Lewis.
American televangelist Revered Paul Lewis was freed of carnal abuse and sexual assault charges on Monday, June 13.
The Jamaican born clergyman was found not guilty of the charges by a seven member jury in the Westmoreland Circuit.
The jury began deliberations shortly after midday and returned just over two hours later with a unanimous verdict.
Not guilty!
Reverend Lewis was quickly whisked away from the courtroom to a waiting SUV where he wept tears of joy.
He told RJR News that he was confident of victory and anticipated a return to his Ministry.
Defence attorney Keith Bishop says his client is relieved following the verdict.
"He's very happy, very pleased because these are allegations that have been hanging over his head for quite some time. He has his ministry to do, he has the Lord’s work to return to and I can believe he can now start to move in that direction," he said.
Mr. Bishop added that he hoped the prosecutors will throw out the perversion charges which are still hanging over the head of the US based preacher.
In the meantime, it was mixed reactions outside the courtroom as some supporters of the pastor burst into celebration upon hearing the verdict while a handful of persons were visibly disappointed.
Reverend Lewis is scheduled to answer the perversion of justice charges in the Savanna-La-Mar Resident Magistrate’s Court next Wednesday.
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