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A jury this week convicted an Osceola County pastor on four counts of sexual battery after finding he was accused of raping a woman who had turned to him and his wife for spiritual guidance, prosecutors announced.
Eddy Noelsaint, 54, led the congregation at Église Évangélique De La Restauration, located at 2160 N. Hiawassee Road in Orlando. He was convicted of assaulting a woman who had joined his church and undergone what the congregation calls a spiritual revival, a period during which she was assigned a "spiritual godmother", Noelsaint's own wife, following her baptism.
According to investigators, the woman was baptized at the church in June 2022 and later stayed at Noelsaint's home as part of her religious instruction. While she was showering one day after his wife had left for work, Noelsaint reportedly walked in and asked to bathe her. She refused.
He later prepared her a cup of tea containing green leaves he kept in a plastic bag, according to the arrest warrant. After drinking it, she began to feel ill. Noelsaint allegedly gave her two pills, followed by two more as she grew increasingly drowsy and developed a headache, deputies said. He then led her to another room, removed most of his clothing, and raped her while she was unable to resist, according to the sheriff's office.
Investigators say a second attack happened in November 2022, when the woman went to Noelsaint's home with his wife to look at a potential apartment. His wife was not present when the woman arrived. Deputies said Noelsaint blocked her path and assaulted her again. She managed to escape into a bathroom afterward as he repeatedly apologized, according to the report.
When detectives interviewed Noelsaint, he told them he believed the woman was attracted to him and admitted to having sexual contact with her in 2022, according to investigators.
State Attorney Monique Worrell addressed the case following the verdict, crediting the victim's strength throughout the legal process. Worrell said the outcome holds a predator accountable and reflects the courage of a survivor who trusted the criminal justice system.
Noelsaint now faces the possibility of decades behind bars at his sentencing.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who has had similar experiences with Noelsaint to come forward. Those with information can call the sheriff's office at 407-348-1100.
The factual information above was sourced from clickorlando.com and orlandosentinel.com as of July 21, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
Sexual assault cases involving pastors and other religious leaders raise legal questions that extend far past the criminal courtroom. Survivors often face decisions about civil litigation, institutional accountability, and timing that can shape the outcome of their case for years to come. To learn more, we sat down with a Florida sexual abuse attorney, Michael Haggard, to break down what victims should know about pursuing legal action against both individual abusers and the institutions that may have enabled them.
Editor Darla Medina: When someone is sexually assaulted by a pastor or other religious leader, what legal options do they typically have beyond the criminal case?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Survivors often have the ability to pursue a civil lawsuit separate from any criminal prosecution. A criminal case is brought by the state and focuses on punishment: prison time, probation, that sort of thing. A civil case is brought by the victim and can result in financial compensation for medical costs, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medina: Can a church itself be held liable, or only the individual pastor?
Haggard: That depends heavily on the facts. Courts look at whether the institution knew or should have known about a pattern of behavior, whether proper background checks were done, and whether leadership responded appropriately to prior complaints. If a church failed to act on warning signs or placed someone in a position of trust without oversight, that can open the door to institutional liability.
Medina: How does Florida's statute of limitations affect these cases?
Haggard: Florida has extended timelines for sexual battery cases compared to many other civil claims, and lawmakers have made changes over the years that give survivors more time to come forward. The exact window depends on the age of the victim at the time of the assault and other case-specific factors, so anyone considering legal action should speak with an attorney promptly to understand their specific deadlines.
Medina: Many survivors describe feeling isolated or manipulated by someone they trusted spiritually. Does that dynamic matter legally?
Haggard: It matters enormously. Courts increasingly recognize that abuse involving a position of spiritual or religious authority creates a unique power imbalance. That dynamic can be relevant to how a case is argued, particularly when addressing why a victim may have delayed reporting or continued contact with their abuser.
Medina: What would you tell someone who suspects they've experienced this kind of abuse but is hesitant to come forward?
Haggard: Document what happened as soon as you're able, in as much detail as possible. Speak with law enforcement if you're comfortable doing so, and separately consult with an attorney who handles these cases, because criminal and civil processes move differently and have different deadlines. Support is available, and survivors don't have to navigate this alone.
Survivors and their families don't have to face these decisions on their own. If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of a religious leader, contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation. Every conversation is confidential, and taking that first step can open the door to answers, support, and the accountability you deserve.
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