SPANISH TOWN (JAMAICA)
The Gleaner [Kingston, Jamaica]
July 18, 2023
By Rasbert Turner
St Catherine Parish Court Judge Natalie Creary-Dixon has asked for documentation on the criminal history of Kenyan Roman Catholic priest Lawrence Muvengi, who is accused of the alleged sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl.
The request was made today when the 39-year-old made his first court appearance.
Muvengi, who is charged with rape, sexual grooming, having sexual intercourse with a person under 16, and abduction, was remanded to return to court on July 19.
He was represented by attorney-at-law Charles Williams.
Allegations are that Muvengi sexually abused the child on the compound of the church, which is located in Portmore, St Catherine, on several occasions in April.
The matter was reported to the police’s Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA).
An investigation was launched, which resulted in the arrest of the clergyman.
He was formally charged following a question-and-answer session.