Delco Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teen Girl, Filming Acts

CHESTER, PA — A Delaware County pastor is facing numerous charges related to sexual abuse of a child after authorities allege he was involved in a sexual relationship with a young girl and filmed sex acts between them.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said Edward Lilly, 70, of Boothwyn, was arrested on charges related to child sex abuse and child pornography.

Lilly is the pastor at the Christian Church of Chester, formerly the White Rock Christian Church, located at 308 W. Third St. in Chester.

In total, Lilly faces 10 counts of felony child pornography possession, 10 counts of felony depicting a minor child engaging in or the simulation a prohibited sexual act, and one count each of felony criminal use of a communication facility and contact with a minor for the purpose of engaging in the sexual abuse of a child, court records show.

He also faces one misdemeanor count of corruption of a minor.

The charges stem from what authorities allege was a sexual relationship that Lilly started with a girl when she was 16.

On Aug. 13, Sgt. Robin Clark and Det. Mark Bucci of the Criminal Investigations Division interviewed the victim, a young woman who at the time of the interview was 19 years old.

The victim told the officers that in 2017, when she was 16 years old and working at a local supermarket, she was approached by the Lilly.

He was a frequent shopper at the market and began to flirt with her regularly, authorities said.

Lilly asked the victim's age and on her 17th birthday the defendant gave her a cash gift.

Authorities said Lilly eventually established a sexual relationship with the victim, and the victim told investigators that Lilly videotaped their encounters using a cell phone that he specifically bought for their relationship.

The victim told authorities Lilly also asked the victim to watch pornography with him, as well as asking for intimate items of clothing.

Authorities said Lilly told the victim not to tell anyone about the relationship, and to delete texts and images from her phone.

Over time, Lilly is alleged to have given the victim about $2,000, which the victim interpreted as an attempt to buy her silence.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Lilly's home on Aug. 26.

During the search, several electronic devices were seized, including laptops, cell phones and external storage media.

The forensic examiners in CID were able to recover files that had been deleted from the defendant’s devices. Those files included a video file of the Lilly engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim at the Lilly's home at a time when the victim was 17 years old.

Lilly was released on $100,000 unsecured bail following his preliminary arraignment Monday morning, according to court documents.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 10, court records show.

Patch has reached out to the Christian Church of Chester and will update the story when details are made available.