Kinston Parks & Rec Supervisor, local pastor charged with rape and kidnapping
A Kinston man who serves as both a city employee and local pastor is in jail without bond following his arrest on multiple felony charges, including rape, kidnapping, and assault with a firearm.
Elijah Rouse, 41, was taken into custody Tuesday by the Grifton Police Department. According to arrest warrants, Rouse is accused of kidnapping a woman on July 7, forcibly raping and sexually assaulting her, and pointing a handgun at her during the incident.
Rouse is listed as a Recreation Center Supervisor II at the Holloway Recreation Center under the City of Kinston’s Parks and Recreation Department. He is also known in the community as Pastor Elijah Rouse.
He is being held at the Pitt County Detention Center without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, July 16, at the Pitt County Courthouse.
City officials have stated a Public Information request in accordance with GS 160-168 is required for information on Rouse’s employment status following these charges.
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