Bishop Earl Randolph Fraser, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Temple on St James Road, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez in Court 1 on Bank Lane yesterday.
Bishop Fraser is a member of the National Child Protection Council. He is also on the board of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas, and his church is part of the Full Gospel Ministry.
He has been charged with having sexual intercourse with a dependent.
Relatives of the girl have accused Fraser, whose Pilgrim Temple reportedly has some 1,000 members, of having a long sexual relationship with the girl.
They allege that the relationship began while the Bishop was supposed to be counselling her.
The charge against Fraser alleged that sometime between July 2005 and February 2006, Fraser, being a person who holds a position of trust, had sexual intercourse with the now 17-year-old girl.
Bishop Fraser, wearing a grey suit, sat quietly yesterday in one of the front benches of the court as the charges were read to him. When asked by the Magistrate if he preferred to have the matter heard before the Magistrate’s Court or the Supreme Court, Fraser took a moment to consult with his lawyer before deciding to have the case heard in the Magistrate’s Court.
Fraser, who pleaded for his congregation’s support during his Easter sermon, maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the sex charge.
The prosecution did not object to bail. Magistrate Gomez granted Fraser $10,000 bail with one surety.
Due to the late time of the arraignment Magistrate Gomez said he would give Fraser until l0am today to bring a surety to stand his bail.
The matter was adjourned to May 11 and was transferred to Court Five, Bank Lane.
By NATARIO MCKENZIE, The Tribune
