Brooklyn Pastor Sentenced to 14 Years for Child Abuse
A judge sentenced 63-year-old Paul Lewis to prison following his conviction for abusing an 11-year-old child.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Naiburg sentenced former pastor Paul Lewis to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old child. Lewis will also face 10 years of post-release supervision following his term.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process that began after a police complaint was filed in February 2024. The court case centered on events that occurred in Brooklyn between September and December 2014.
Paul Lewis received a 14-year prison sentence and 10 years of post-release supervision on October 26, 2026. This follows a jury conviction on September 24, 2026, for the sexual abuse of a child.
The players
Paul Lewis
He is the 63-year-old former pastor of the Messengers for Christ World Healing Centre who was convicted of child sexual abuse.
Jennifer Naiburg
She is a Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice who presided over the trial and issued the sentence to the defendant.
The details
Paul Lewis, formerly a pastor at the Messengers for Christ World Healing Centre, was found to have picked up the child at her home under the guise of providing food. He then sexually assaulted the victim inside his vehicle during the period between September 3, 2014, and December 23, 2014.
Timeline
September 3, 2014 to December 23, 2014: Sexual abuse occurred in Brooklyn.
February 26, 2024: A child filed a police complaint leading to the arrest of Paul Lewis.
September 24, 2026: A jury convicted Paul Lewis of sexually abusing a child.
October 26, 2026: Paul Lewis was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Legal Context
The current conviction marks a stark reversal of the legal outcome Paul Lewis experienced during his 2011 trial in Jamaica, where he was found not guilty of carnal abuse. This sentencing highlights how evidence gathered in the New York justice system differs from prior proceedings.
The resolution of this case removes a local religious leader from the community following his conviction for crimes against a minor. Residents and congregation members impacted by the actions of Paul Lewis may seek further information through the Brooklyn Supreme Court records.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder for communities to remain vigilant regarding the conduct of individuals in positions of trust. Legal outcomes can vary significantly across different international jurisdictions based on the evidence presented and the legal standards applied.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings regarding offenses in the area, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Gleaner.
