Delaware News

DOJ Seeks Public’s Assistance in Sussex County Sexual Abuse Case

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Thursday, March 31, 2022


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Prosecutors seek additional victims of Ellendale pastor

The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking the public’s assistance in the prosecution of a Sussex County pastor indicted for Unlawful Sexual Contact, and is requesting that any additional victims contact law enforcement. Major Foster, a Lincoln man who at the time was employed as pastor of Ellendale’s Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, faces pending charges after inappropriately touching multiple women.

“I am grateful to the women who have come forward to the Delaware State Police and our prosecutors,” said Attorney General Jennings. “We have reason to believe that Foster’s alleged years long pattern of abuse includes as yet unreported, additional instances. We ask that any additional victims or witnesses with information come forward. We will be there to support you.”

Foster was indicted in November by a Sussex County grand jury on three counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 3rd Degree, following an investigation into multiple reports that, from 2013 to 2020, he attempted to use scripture to coerce female parishioners into sexual relationships, made inappropriate comments, and instigated prolonged hugs during which he made inappropriate sexual contact with his victims. Foster was also charged with Offensive Touching for pushing a victim’s husband when confronted.

The State was aware of three victims at the time of Foster’s original indictment; prosecutors now have reason to believe that additional victims may be unidentified. The State implores anyone whom Foster has harmed or who has additional information about the case to contact Delaware State Police. Anyone with additional information should contact Det. L. Coleman, Delaware State Police – Troop 4, at (302) 752-3813.

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DOJ Seeks Public’s Assistance in Sussex County Sexual Abuse Case

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Thursday, March 31, 2022


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center

Prosecutors seek additional victims of Ellendale pastor

The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking the public’s assistance in the prosecution of a Sussex County pastor indicted for Unlawful Sexual Contact, and is requesting that any additional victims contact law enforcement. Major Foster, a Lincoln man who at the time was employed as pastor of Ellendale’s Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, faces pending charges after inappropriately touching multiple women.

“I am grateful to the women who have come forward to the Delaware State Police and our prosecutors,” said Attorney General Jennings. “We have reason to believe that Foster’s alleged years long pattern of abuse includes as yet unreported, additional instances. We ask that any additional victims or witnesses with information come forward. We will be there to support you.”

Foster was indicted in November by a Sussex County grand jury on three counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 3rd Degree, following an investigation into multiple reports that, from 2013 to 2020, he attempted to use scripture to coerce female parishioners into sexual relationships, made inappropriate comments, and instigated prolonged hugs during which he made inappropriate sexual contact with his victims. Foster was also charged with Offensive Touching for pushing a victim’s husband when confronted.

The State was aware of three victims at the time of Foster’s original indictment; prosecutors now have reason to believe that additional victims may be unidentified. The State implores anyone whom Foster has harmed or who has additional information about the case to contact Delaware State Police. Anyone with additional information should contact Det. L. Coleman, Delaware State Police – Troop 4, at (302) 752-3813.

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Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.