Hampton man denied bond
Published 10:52 pm Thursday, September 6, 2018
A Hampton man was denied bond on multiple sex crimes charges in Suffolk Circuit Court on Thursday.
Sean Edward Gaines, 43, was arrested Monday on two charges of indecent liberties with child by custodian and one count of carnal knowledge of a child 13 to 15 years old. He had been indicted on the charges by the grand jury in August.
The charges are related to alleged incidents involving a teen female, known to Gaines, that occurred in Suffolk in February, according to a city press release. According to the indictments, the charges relate to incidents in which Gaines allegedly touched a juvenile victim’s breast and genitals and had sexual intercourse with her.
Gaines, the former pastor of The Empowerment Temple, told the News-Herald by phone last month that he left the church in early August due to similar charges in Hampton. He said he did not do what he’s accused of.
“I’m refuting all the charges,” he said. “I’m stating my innocence.”
His arraignment is set for Sept. 24.