NJ Couple Posing as Pastor and Wife Allegedly Enslaved Church Members, Coerced Sex for Decade, Threatening God’s Wrath

A self-proclaimed pastor from New Jersey, Treva Edwards, along with his wife Christine, has been accused of subjecting church members to a horrifying scheme of forced labor and sexual exploitation for nearly ten years. Federal prosecutors allege that the couple manipulated vulnerable individuals into working under the threat of divine punishment, claiming that failure to comply would invoke God's wrath.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey, the Edwards couple lured individuals to their church, Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost, located in their Orange apartment building. Once there, they forced these individuals to engage in strenuous labor within the community while depriving them of basic necessities such as food and sleep.

Prosecutors have detailed that Treva Edwards is accused of subjecting at least one woman to repeated physical and sexual assaults, resulting in her pregnancy. He allegedly pressured her to undergo an abortion, all while insisting that these actions were part of God's plan. The couple reportedly convinced their victims that they would lose favor with God if they did not comply with their demands.

The Edwards isolated their victims, closely monitoring their communications and movements. They instilled a belief that outsiders were evil or possessed, further entrenching their control over the individuals they exploited. The couple is said to have profited from the labor of their victims, pocketing the earnings while providing them with only one meal a day and enforcing a strict regimen of work and prayer.

This alleged exploitation reportedly took place from 2011 until 2020. Prosecutors noted that the Edwards specifically targeted individuals facing personal struggles, including financial difficulties and family issues. Treva Edwards claimed to be a prophet with a direct line to God, instilling fear in his victims by warning them of spiritual and physical repercussions for disobedience.

Last week, the couple was charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy to commit forced labor. Treva Edwards faces additional charges of forced labor and sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion. Following their indictment, both were detained, although it remains unclear whether they have secured legal representation or are still in federal custody.

If convicted, the Edwards could face severe penalties, with a maximum prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life for the labor conspiracy charges. Treva Edwards could face an additional 15 years to life if found guilty of the sex trafficking charge, according to prosecutors.

U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, emphasized the seriousness of these charges, stating, “These charges are an example of my office’s tireless commitment to combating human trafficking in our community. We are dedicated to working alongside our partners to ensure that those who target the most vulnerable are brought to justice.”