Worcester Pastor Faces New Fine For Violating Pandemic Ban

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police have filed a criminal complaint against a local pastor for holding a third worship service that violates Gov. Charlie Baker's ban on gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.

Adams Square Baptist Church Rev. Kristopher Casey is now facing a $500 fine after he held a service Wednesday evening that more than 20 people attended, according to city officials. Baker has banned public gatherings that exceed 10 people.

Casey, 38, held his first service in defiance of the ban on April 26. A second service on April 29 had fewer than 10 people and was technically in line with Baker's order.

The pastor has said he won't pay any fines. He was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.

City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said he has been in touch with state officials about further consequences should Casey continue holding services. Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent has personally warned Casey not to hold services.

"We continue to monitor the situation," Augustus said Thursday during a news conference.

On Thursday, officials reported an increase in deaths and hospitalizations in Worcester.

The city's case total hit 2,698, but there were 277 people in local hospitals — a rise of 16 over the last 24 hours. One-hundred and eighteen of those people were in intensive care, up seven compared to Wednesday. And 150 people have now died in Worcester hospitals due to complications from COVID-19, six more than reported Wednesday.