MANCHESTER, Conn. — A jury in Hartford has found a Manchester pastor guilty of the assault of a 10-month-old boy nearly a decade ago.
Robert Nichols, 44, of Manchester, was found guilty of Assault in the First Degree, and two counts of Risk of Injury to a Child.
Nichols was the pastor of the Word of Faith Ministry in East Hartford. He and a number of his followers lived in Nichols’ Manchester home which was owned by the Ministry. Witnesses said Nichols claimed he communicated directly with God and used that claim to control his followers.
Authorities said that in October 2013, Manchester Police were contacted by medical professionals regarding the suspected child abuse of a 10-month-old boy. The baby suffered head trauma and the injuries were potentially life-threatening.
One witness testified she witnessed Nichols wrap the baby in a tight swaddle and slam him to the floor numerous times causing him to strike his head. The witness stated Nichols had also placed the baby in a sink full of ice-cold water causing him to thrash about and strike his head.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 30 in Hartford Superior Court.
On September 27, 2022, Nichols was found guilty of two counts of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Risk of Injury to a Minor. Testimony in that trial showed the victim, a young boy, had been staying with the Nichols family during the summer of 2010. Nichols was sentenced to 20 years in prison, execution suspended after 8 years served and 10 years of probation.
Doug Stewart is the Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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