Thursday, 4:30 PM
Investigation, report promised at Baker House after rape allegations
(David Kamerman/Globe Staff)
Rev. Eugene F. Rivers III (left), with his wife Jacqueline Rivers (center) at his side, speaks during a press conference today at the Ella J. Baker House in Dorchester, about allegations by a teen accusing an administrator rape.
By Maria Cramer, Globe Staff
The Rev. Eugene F. Rivers said at a press conference today that he wants more scrutiny of the Ella J. Baker House and sees the allegations of sexual wrongdoing against one of his administrators as "an opportunity" to improve the organization's services to teens in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Boston.
"When we heard that a young person may have been violated in any way we were devastated," said Rivers, who stood in the chapel of the house, surrounded by his wife, 16-year-old daughter, members of his church, Azusa Christian Community, and more than a dozen of the teens.
In the next month, Rivers said he plans to examine any problems at the house and release a report detailing any necessary changes. The reverend said he has already installed surveillance cameras in the basement of the house and on the third floor.
Rivers continued to defend his organization's response to the allegations, saying he immediately contacted the girl's parents and his staff. He acknowledged he did not call police that night because he learned detectives had already responded to the girl's complaints. In a booming voice, he stood up for the community house and said without it, the teenagers in the neighborhood will be the ones to suffer.
"If the Ella J. Baker Houses of the world don't exist, there is an entire group of children that are going to drown in their blood," Rivers said.
