Hamilton police charge Cambridge pastor with sexual assault

Hamilton police have charged a 33-year-old Cambridge pastor with sexual assault.

Police said in a release they opened an investigation into Lucas Jervis after allegations of sexual violence and sexual harassment against him surfaced on social media.

In mid-December, four individuals came forward to Hamilton police to report multiple" allegations, said Const. Krista-Lee Ernst.

She was unable to provide additional information about their ages, or where they were from.

Police confirmed to the Spectator that Jervis is a pastor at Avenue Road Baptist Church in Cambridge.

The church's website lists Jervis as a lead pastor" and veteran of the youth world" who has worked in the youth ministry for more than 10 years.

Avenue Road Baptist Church did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Jervis was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 1, and charged with four counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual interference.

He is set to appear in court March 1.

Police encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual violence to come forward and contact victim services at 905-546-4904.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Resources for survivors of sexual violence:

SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre, Hamilton and Area): 24-hour support line 905-525-4162; sacha.ca.

Children's Aid Society - intake line: (905) 522-1121.

Catholic Children's Aid Society - intake line: (905) 525-2012.

SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton): 905-875-1555.

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences: 905-521-2100 ext. 73557.

Sebastian Bron is a reporter at The Spectator. sbron@thespec.com