Church pastor charged with sexual offences against children: New Westminster police

The pastor of a small Metro Vancouver church is facing several charges of sexual interference and sexual assault involving offences against children.

New Westminster police launched an investigation into Edwin Alvarez last spring after getting multiple reports of sexual interference against children from 2017 to 2021.

An investigation by the major crime unit with assistance from Saanich police led to an arrest on Jan. 4.

Alvarez has been charged with three counts of sexual interference and three counts of sexual assault.

“We encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of sexual violence to come forward and report the incident to police,” said New West police Sgt. Justine Thom in a release.