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Pastor from Tortola arrested on Child Abuse & Unlawful Sexual Contact charges in USVI

- Lawrence Turnbull migrated to St Thomas
63-year-old Lawrence Turnbull of Estate Mandahl, and pastor of the St Paul Baptist Church in the US Virgin Islands has been charged for child abuse and unlawful sexual contact. Photo: VIPD
VI CONSORTIUM

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI- The [US] VI Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau has arrested 63-year-old Lawrence Turnbull of Estate Mandahl, and pastor of the St Paul Baptist Church, on charges of child abuse and unlawful sexual contact.

According to reports, Turnbull is originally from Tortola but migrated to the US Virgin Islands some years ago.

According to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, the arrest took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, following an extensive investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning several years.

According to the police report, a minor reported to law enforcement that over the past six years, Turnbull—who served as her pastor—established a relationship with her, positioning himself as a mentor and father figure. However, the minor later realised that his intentions were not genuine. Investigators determined that Turnbull allegedly exploited the minor’s trust by engaging in inappropriate physical contact, despite her repeated attempts to avoid him.

Evidence provided

The victim provided evidence that Turnbull acknowledged his involvement in unwelcome sexual contact and indicated that he continued to pursue her even after she clearly expressed her disinterest. The investigation ultimately led to his arrest by the Major Crimes Unit.

Turnbull was taken into custody at 2:30 p.m. Friday and faces charges of child abuse, second-degree unlawful sexual contact, obscene internet contact with a minor, harassment by telephone, cyberstalking, and disturbance of the peace.

His bail was set at $60,000, and he was transported to the Richard N. Callwood Command, where he was processed before being remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, pending his advise of rights hearing.

12 Responses to “Pastor from Tortola arrested on Child Abuse & Unlawful Sexual Contact charges in USVI”

  • Eagle (02/03/2025, 15:36) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Shame on you pastor predator.
  • Agreeable One (02/03/2025, 15:41) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is so so sad. Another blow for the church. I am praying for the members of his church who has to be devastated by this sad event. We hold persons in such positions in very high regard and rightfully so. BUT! As long as you are wrapped in human flesh you can expect the unexpected given the “right” and unfortunate circumstances. Flesh has been our biggest problem from the very beginning. Only God knows. ????????
    • @Agreeable One (02/03/2025, 18:03) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hold the horses at the gate one sec, praying for the members of the church? Pray for the and be devastated for the victim who was violated. And another thing, plenty of the members of the church knew what their pastor was doing and turn a blind eye and deaf ears. I don’t go to church but I am more of a Christian in my heart than plenty of you that is in the churches every Sunday professing to be Christians.
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (02/03/2025, 17:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the topic issue is as true as it has been reported, and written accordingly, then this is another piece of evidence that humans should not be trusted, but God our Heavenly Creator, only.
    Mankind by nature is wicked, but can make righteous decisions, and do righteous deeds by choice, if he/she chooses.

    This is a universal problem that can only be overcome by God's power being allowed to control, by submission, over our depraved will.
    Whether one be a Pastor, a doctor, a President, a nurse a mechanic, a pilot, a politician, a male, a female, a Pope or has some other profession, as long a Satan is be allow to influence the mind, evil manifestations is a must.

    As many and I see it, for this crime, This wolf in sheep's clothing, fake pastor should be made to pay for this advantageous crime against this child. Not only that he should be spend the appropriate number of years in prison, but he should also be made to pay a lage sum of money to her (shame money) to help her recover mentally over time.
    Also, I do hope that the abused child parents will be healed from this sad, and unexpected piece of news.


  • Interested (02/03/2025, 17:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So very sorry to see this story. Very disappointed in Lawrence.Expected better from him.
  • According to some I (02/03/2025, 18:23) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thought is only young men with Up de island caricom ties that do crime. SMH. Anyhow that pastor is a devil it appears.
  • pat (02/03/2025, 18:41) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lots of this going on in bvi but no one has the courage to address
  • Really (02/03/2025, 19:13) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ Agreeable one ........

    You're Praying for members of the Church????

    What about the Child / young lady???
    Hoping you're Praying for her also.
  • tola (02/03/2025, 22:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nasty
  • Where the list (03/03/2025, 00:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yea so when is BVI getting a sex offender list? Mr premier? Anyone From opposition? No? Ok..
  • Finally. (03/03/2025, 06:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    One by one all these fakes will come to light,
  • H.O.A (03/03/2025, 07:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Honorable Mater tell them we want that sex offender list


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