Norfolk pastor pleads guilty to sex crimes, perjury

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A local pastor was convicted of sex crimes in Norfolk Circuit Court Friday morning. Troy Edwards, of Greater Emmanuel Ministries, pleaded guilty to one count of object sexual penetration: by force, a felony, and one count of misdemeanor perjury.

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Edwards was sentenced to eight months of active jail time, with 11 years suspended subject to 10 years good behavior. He’ll also have two years probation and will have to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation.

The victim in the case, who was a member of his congregation, was present in the courtroom. The prosecutor said she had talked at length with her about the terms of the plea deal and the victim approved of it.

Norfolk pastor denied bond after charges of sexual assault and abduction

“I am happy because the public is now apprised of his persistent, unwanted, assaultive and lewd behaviors, sexually inappropriate comments, spiritual manipulation, and abuse of religious authority,” the victim said in a statement. “It was hard to come forward, but with the love and support of my family, I gained the confidence to speak up. I hope the results of my case will help ignite a wave of silent victims, especially in the church, to come forward and seek justice.”

As part of the deal, the commonwealth set aside Edward’s abduction charge in the case.

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