A BC pastor was arrested and charged with sexual offences against children..The New Westminster Police Department's (NWPD) major crime unit began an investigation in the spring of 2022 following multiple reports of sexual interference against children allegedly occurring between 2017 and 2021 at a Metro Vancouver church..Pastor Edwin Alvarez, 45, was arrested in Saanich on Vancouver Island January 4 with the help of local police..Alvarez was charged with three counts of sexual interference, and three counts of sexual assault..“We encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of sexual violence to come forward and report the incident to police,” said NWPD's Sgt. Justine Thom..“We take these reports seriously, and this case is an example of how offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.”.Thom highlights that sexual predators often seek out leadership roles in order to gain access to victims..Police haven’t named the church..READ MORE: Former BC church counsellor convicted of abusing underage boys
