A fifty-five-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the alleged grievous sexual assault of a woman in Westmoreland who was seeking spiritual advice.
Prior to the incident with the accused, Albert Lawrence, reports state that the victim had reached out to a woman known only as ‘Sister Joy’ to get a spiritual reading. Initially, the victim was supposed to meet Sister Joy in Savanna-La-Mar on the date of the incident last week, on July 31.
However, the victim was unable to meet her there, and Sister Joy reportedly went to her home in Belmont to conduct the spiritual reading. While conducting the reading, Sister Joy allegedly poured a substance from a bottle onto the victim and said that there was a spell on her that needed to be broken.
Sister Joy proceeded to contact Lawrence, who claims to be a psychic, and the man arrived at the house shortly after. After his arrival, Lawrence reportedly told the victim that there was something in her stomach that needed to be removed.
He allegedly went on to spray an unknown substance from a can onto his finger and penetrated the woman without her consent. He then reportedly demanded $350,000 to purchase materials that were needed to conduct a ritual. Reports state that Sister Joy also asked the woman for clothing that she wore as a sacrifice.
The woman reportedly gave Lawrence the cash she had on her at the time, $15,000, and later reported the incident to the authorities. An arrangement was made for Lawrence to collect the remainder of the funds on Monday, August 4, and he was arrested during a sting operation.
In addition to grievous sexual assault, Lawrence has been charged with simple larceny.
