Prosecutors Prepare For Sexual Abuse Case Against Pastor

The Delaware Attorney General’s Office is seeking possible additional victims as it prepares to prosecute a Sussex County pastor who has been indicted for unlawful sexual contact.

Major Foster of Lincoln was employed as pastor of Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ellendale when he was indicted last fall. Prosecutors said the charges followed an investigation into multiple reports that from 2013 to 2020 he tried to use scripture to coerce female parishioners into sexual relationships, made inappropriate comments, and “instituted prolonged hugs during which he made inappropriate sexual contact with his victims.” Foster also was charged with offensive touching of a victim’s husband who confronted him.

 “I am grateful to the women who have come forward to the Delaware State Police and our prosecutors,” Attorney General Kathy Jennings said Thursday. “We have reason to believe that Foster’s alleged years long pattern of abuse includes as yet unreported, additional instances.  We ask that any additional victims or witnesses with information come forward. We will be there to support you.”

The state knew of three victims at the time of Foster’s indictment, and prosecutors said there is reason to believe there may be additional unidentified victims.

“The State implores anyone whom Foster has harmed or who has additional information about the case to contact Delaware State Police.  Anyone with additional information should contact Det. L. Coleman, Delaware State Police – Troop 4, at (302) 752-3813,” the AG’s office said in a statement.