(ETH) – Evangelist and founder of the Hillsong Church, Brian Houston, has reportedly been charged with allegedly concealing child sex offenses in the 1970s.
According to 9 News, Houston is accused of knowing about the sexual abuse of a young man in the 1970s but failing to tell the police. NSW Police said officers from The Hills in the city’s northwest started an investigation in 2019 and have now charged a man.
“Police will allege in court the man knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police,” NSW Police said in a statement. “Following extensive investigations, detectives requested the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) review their brief of evidence.
“Earlier this week, the ODPP provided advice to police, and following further inquiries, detectives served a Court Attendance Notice for concealing serious indictable offense on the man’s legal representative about 2 pm today.”
According to the Daily Mail, The charge against Houston – who has recently led prayer services in Monterrey, Mexico – is one of concealing a serious indictable offense. It can carry a maximum penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, depending upon the exact crime concealed.
The sensational development follows a years-long investigation by police in the city’s Hills District, where the global Pentecostal church first opened its doors. ‘Police will allege in court the man knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police,’ a statement said.
Brian Houston released a statement about the charge on Thursday night. ‘These charges have come as a shock to me given how transparent I’ve always been about this matter,’ he said. ‘I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight.’
