Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is set to outline criminal charges Tuesday at 11 a.m. against two local pastors accused of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. The DA’s office says the announcement will be livestreamed and will include information on victim support resources. Officials have not released the pastors’ names or the specific counts ahead of the press conference.
Details From The DA's Release
According to a press release cited by FOX29, Krasner will be joined by prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Family Violence & Sexual Assault Unit for the announcement at the Philadelphia DA’s office. The case involves two local clergy members accused of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, and the event is scheduled to be livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. The release notes that the office is holding back the pastors’ names and exact charges until the news conference.
Support Resources
The DA’s release also notes that the office will be joined by the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, known as WOAR, to explain services for survivors. WOAR lists a 24/7 crisis hotline at 215-985-3333 and describes free counseling and advocacy for survivors. The DA’s decision to feature WOAR at the announcement signals an emphasis on resource and reporting information alongside the criminal case.
Context And Why It Matters
Allegations of clergy sexual abuse have had deep and lasting impacts across Pennsylvania. A 2018 statewide grand-jury probe documented abuse by hundreds of clergy in multiple dioceses and helped drive reforms and heightened public scrutiny, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Cases involving houses of worship often draw intense attention, and they frequently prompt advocates to push hard for survivor support during prosecutions. That backdrop helps explain why the DA’s office is pairing a criminal announcement with visible advocacy resources.
What To Expect At Tuesday's Announcement
Officials may release the pastors’ names and the formal list of charges at the 11 a.m. news conference, with those details expected to be available once the DA posts his release and the livestream wraps up, per FOX29. If charges are filed, typical next steps include arraignment and related filings in Philadelphia’s criminal courts. As always, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Reporters are likely to press for information on the scope of the investigation and whether prosecutors anticipate additional cases.
How To Follow & Get Help
The DA’s office maintains a news page for press releases and livestreams; readers looking for the official statement can check the news page at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. Survivors and anyone with information can contact WOAR’s 24/7 hotline at 215-985-3333 or visit WOAR for confidential support and guidance on reporting. This story will be updated as the DA’s office releases more details after the conference.
