COVINGTON, La. (CN) - The 44-year-old pastor of Open Door Apostolic Church had sex with a 16-year-old girl during Bible study, the girl claims in court.
The girl and her father, A.F., sued the Open Door Apostolic Church and Keith James Boyd, in St. Tammany Parish Court.
"Keith James Boyd, age 44 at the time, used his position of power and influence as Pastor of Open Door Apostolic Church, to psychologically manipulate, intimidate, and coerce the minor child ... age 16 at the time, into sexual intercourse with him and committed other sexual acts," the complaint states.
The girl says the attack took place in 2010, after "Boyd invited the minor to attend Open Door Apostolic Church bible studies class in the Parish of St. Tammany under the leadership and operational control of Boyd.
"During these Bible studies ... Boyd sexually molested and had sexual intercourse with the then minor."
Boyd was convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior and was sentenced to 6 years in jail, with 3 years suspended, according to the complaint.
The girl and her father seek damages for negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress, failure to warn, failure to intervene and protect.
They are represented by Zara Zeringue, with Magee, Zeringue & Richardson, of Covington, La.
Follow @https://twitter.com/sabrinacanfiel2
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.
Additional Reads
-
EU gains trillions in revenue — and debt April 22, 2024 -
Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines April 17, 2024
-
-
Contributor-Test-Post-2024-04-12 April 12, 2024