Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the arrest of two local pastors on Wednesday, charging them with the sexual abuse of minors. The charges follow a joint investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and the District Attorney’s Office, which identified multiple victims over a multi-year period. Both men, who served at separate religious institutions in the city, remain in custody as the legal process begins.
Who are the individuals charged?
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office identified the suspects as 53-year-old Kevin Brown and 42-year-old Walter L. Jones. According to court records released by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Brown served as a pastor at a church in the city’s Germantown section, while Jones held a leadership position at a separate facility in North Philadelphia.
Prosecutors allege that the abuse occurred between 2018 and 2023. Investigators stated that the suspects used their positions of authority within their respective congregations to isolate victims and facilitate the alleged crimes.
What are the legal charges?
Both men face multiple felony counts, including child sexual abuse, corruption of minors, and indecent assault. District Attorney Larry Krasner stated during a press briefing that his office is treating these cases with the "highest level of urgency" due to the breach of trust involved in clergy-related abuse.
Under Pennsylvania law, convictions for these offenses carry significant mandatory minimum sentences. The defendants are currently being held at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. Preliminary hearings are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks at the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How did the investigation unfold?
The investigation began after a survivor contacted the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit in early 2023. Detectives conducted a series of interviews and forensic digital examinations, which led to the identification of additional victims.
This case marks a continuation of the District Attorney’s focus on prosecuting institutional abuse. In recent years, the Philadelphia DA’s Office has established specialized units designed to handle cases involving vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, to ensure that evidence is collected and processed more effectively than in previous decades.
What happens next for the victims?
The District Attorney’s Office has assigned victim advocates to work directly with those affected by the alleged actions of Brown and Jones. These advocates provide support services, including trauma-informed counseling and guidance through the court system.
Prosecutors are encouraging anyone with additional information regarding these individuals or these specific institutions to contact the Philadelphia Police Department tip line. The office emphasizes that the investigation remains active and open to new leads, as officials attempt to determine if there are further victims who have not yet come forward.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Defendants: Kevin Brown (53) and Walter L. Jones (42).
- Charges: Felony counts of child sexual abuse, corruption of minors, and indecent assault.
- Investigation: Led by the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit.
- Current Status: Both defendants are in custody awaiting preliminary hearings.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, resources are available. You can contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or reach out to local law enforcement.