Preacher Charged with Sex Assault of Teen Babysitter While Wife Hospitalized

A 34-year-old man identified as Junior Augustin, known locally as an evangelist, has been charged with sexual battery and a related sex offense involving a minor, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The alleged incident occurred between January and February, during which time the minor, reported to be 16 or 17 years old, stayed at Augustin’s Deerfield Beach home to care for his eight children while his wife was hospitalized. Augustin was arrested at his residence on Tuesday.
The charges stem from explicit communications found on the minor’s phone, detailing the alleged sexual nature of the encounter. Her mother, upon noticing concerning behavior, discovered these messages and photos between Augustin and the minor. This led to the involvement of law enforcement.
Following the revelation of the alleged crime, Augustin’s church held two separate meetings in March to address the situation. Augustin’s wife attended both gatherings, and the church leadership reportedly informed attendees that the meetings were audio-recorded, a practice customary at their church. During the second meeting on March 18, Augustin confessed to the alleged acts of predation against the minor. Subsequently, the minor or her mother indicated a desire to pursue charges.
Augustin faces charges of sexual battery on a minor and a sex offense involving a victim aged 12 to 15. The investigation, led by Detective Dimos Charoudis, is ongoing, and authorities are concerned about the possibility of additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact the detective or Broward Crime Stoppers.
This case is not isolated; investigators noted that other clergy in South Florida have recently faced charges for similar offenses. In 2018, two men, one a preacher, were charged with abusing the same minor over a year. In 2016, a youth pastor at a Pembroke Pines church was charged with rape and threats. In 2015, a church youth pastor and school official was convicted of a federal sex offense.

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