Pastor Pheguel Pierre Louis of the Evangelical Church of the New Jerusalem in Riviera Beach is under investigation again after being convicted of sexual assault last year. A new victim, who is the sister of the previous victim, claims Pierre Louis assaulted her in the spring of 2022. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) said that its special victims unit is “seeking to speak with potential victims” who attend the Evangelical Church of the New Jerusalem or have attended in the past. Pierre Louis continues to preach despite a previous battery conviction.
Pierre Louis, 40, was arrested in August 2023 after a 23-year-old church member accused him of sexually assaulting her. According to media reports, Pierre Louis went to the woman’s home, concerned about a dream he had. Pierre Loius said he “laid hands” on the woman’s forehead to pray for her. The woman told investigators he ordered her to take off her dress, then rubbed oil on her body and sexually assaulted her with his fingers.
Pierre Louis was arrested and charged with one count of sexual battery. He bonded out of jail eight days later and, one year later, made a deal with prosecutors that let him plead guilty to felony battery without becoming a convicted felon. In accordance with the deal, the Judge entered a withhold of adjudication and sentenced Pierre Louis to five years of probation. The resolution spared the pastor from prison and the lifelong brand of a registered sex offender, leaving him instead with an order to complete 150 hours of community service, a psychosexual evaluation, and any recommended treatment.
Palm Beach County deputies continue to investigate him. In a recent news release, detectives said they believe the pastor may have sexually assaulted other members of his church and urge anyone with information to contact them.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by religious authority figures and other clergy. If you need a lawyer because a member of a religious organization sexually abused you, contact us today at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse nationwide. We can help.