Pastor walks free of rape charge

An Essequibo pastor who was on trial for raping and drugging a female just over a year ago was freed of the charge on Tuesday.

Collin Samuels was discharged after Magistrate Esther Sam upheld a no case submission put forward by his attorney Bernard Da Silva.

The trial was heard at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

Samuels, also known as Pastor Sammy, of the People’s Restoration Ministries in Essequibo was charged with rape on August 23, 2022.

He pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him and was granted $150,000 bail.

A woman had claimed that on April 02, 2022, she was given a drink and became dizzy after a while. She further claimed that she asked to be taken home but the Pastor did not and later raped her.

The woman went to the Police with her claims and the Pastor was arrested.