The Rev. Edward-Richard Hinds - former executive director of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council "The GodSquad" - was arraigned this week on multiple charges of sexual acts with someone under the age of 17.

Hinds and his organization have been a fixture of anti-violence activism and youth outreach, especially in the East Flatbush community, where Hinds and The GodSquad celebrated the opening a new cure violence center called "Project Echo" back in May.

Then, Hinds told News 12 it would be "a safe haven for our young people," which is part of the reason community members like Victoria George called the charges "devastating to hear."

According to the indictment from the Brooklyn and Staten Island district attorneys' offices, the acts happened in December 2022, without the victim's consent.

"I hope it's not true. Because the intent is to help young people, not take advantage of young people," said Lason Allen, who also lives in East Flatbush.

Members of both The GodSquad and Project Echo refused to speak on camera, but The GodSquad said in a statement that as soon as it learned of the allegations against Hinds, it suspended him, then removed him for the organization, and also reported him to the District Attorney's Office.

It added that "our focus remains on healing, rebuilding trust, and continuing the essential work we are called to do."

Allen said she was planning to give the group the chance to rebuild that trust.

"I'm still in support of them, you know you can't condemn a whole organization because of the acts of one person," she says.

"These are part of the programs that are bringing the area back up," added Keith Michael White Sr., who lives nearby. "It's the best thing that's happened around here in a long time."

News 12 tried reaching out to Hinds, but has not heard back.

Court records show Hinds pleaded not guilty and is due back on Dec. 13.