NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) A Newark pastor who authorities said was meeting a female congregant for sex has been arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including endangering the welfare of a minor, after he allegedly forced two teenage girls to videotape the sessions.

Authorities say Moises Cotto, 55, had been meeting for the past two years for sex with a parishioner, Brenda Pabon, at a motel in Linden, N.J. Pabon, 37, has been charged with kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a minor.

The assistant pastor of the church, Yahweh Templo El Candelero, said he is convinced the pastor is innocent and called Pabon a “problematic parishioner” who had been threatening the pastor.

“I do think that an injustice is being done, based on my friendship with the minister,” said Assistant Pastor A. Diaz. “There’s no truth to the allegations. He’s been an upstanding pastor for more than 20 years.”

Cotto’s sexual affair with Pabon began after she sought counseling from the pastor, authorities said. The pair allegedly forced two teenage girls to videotape them engaged in sex, and several times instructed at least one girl to undress and pose for photos with Cotto.

During at least one of their weekly meetings at the motel, the pastor was accused of attempting to sexually assault one of the girls, who resisted, authorities said.

The motel meetings continued until recently, when one of the teenage victims reported the abuse to a parent, Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said. Cotto was arrested on May 17; Pabon surrendered the following day.

About 50 mostly Puerto Rican congregants gather for Friday and Saturday services at Templo El Candelero (Spanish for “Temple Menorah”). Their religious movement, called the Congregation of Yahweh, follows many Jewish practices although the church is not officially recognized by Jewish organizations.