HOUSTON – A local pastor charged with sexually assaulting an underaged family member, also said to have had a child with her when she was 14, did not take a plea deal in court today. The case now goes to trial on February 21, 2025.
“He is pleading not guilty and our hope is people will presume him innocent,” Pastor Robert L. Carter’s attorney Eric Davis told KPRC 2.
We first brought you the story last year in October after the allegations against Pastor Carter surfaced. Monday night, another one of the alleged victim’s family members who spoke out against Carter back then, is speaking to us again.
“Well he’s been back and forth to court over the last year,” said the family member who we are not identifying to protect the alleged victim’s identity.
Carter who was a pastor and bishop, was charged with continued sexual abuse of a child, and sexual assault of a child aged 14-17.
“How could you show your face, in a church where you profess to keep the word or speak the word of God,” said the alleged victim’s family member.
He says Carter abused the girl some 600 times starting when she was just seven years old, then got her pregnant when she was 14. He says the girl gave birth in a closet, then Carter took the baby and dropped him off at a fire station.
“I mean it’s horrific for one, but it’s um, been waiting on the judicial system to step in and do what they can do,” the family member said.
Shortly after being charged last year, Carter posted a $200,000 bond. The alleged victim’s family member we’ve been speaking to says the baby she had, now six years old, was adopted by a loving family.
“That child is in the best place possible,” he said.
As for the alleged victim herself?
“She was just tired, she was tired of being afraid,” the family member said.
The alleged victim’s loved one adds she’s been working with the prosecutor and working to heal from the trauma.
“I’ve never met anyone, a woman stronger than that woman there. I’ve never met a woman who, knowing the facts can get up every day and not go crazy,” he said.
In addition to getting justice for his loved one, the family member hopes this story motivates other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.
Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
