STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (RNS) Technically, Michael Ihedioha still can hawk salvation aboard the Staten Island Ferry.
But odds are that the preacher who scuffled with cops on the boat will remain mum — or greatly reduce the volume — during the 25-minute ride, after cutting a plea deal on April 21 to a misdemeanor obstruction charge.
Ihedioha will be sentenced on June 18 to three years’ probation stemming from an Oct. 23 incident on a ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island.
According to court records, Ihedioha, 47, a Nigerian native, was preaching around 12:45 a.m. with his arms outstretched, blocking an aisle. A police officer aboard the Staten Island-bound boat approached and told Ihedioha three times to keep moving. The preacher remained put.
As the officer tried to arrest him, Ihedioha planted his feet, flailed his arms and yelled, “You’re breaking my arm,” said prosecutors. After the preacher was taken to a “secure location,” he allegedly bit the officer’s forearm, bruising it.
Ihedioha was charged with felony second-degree assault, as well as obstructing government administration, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
Under the April 21 deal, Ihedioha, 47, pastor of Christ the Lord Evangelistic Association, agreed to ride the ferry only for transportation and to abide by all posted rules, said William J. Smith, spokesman for District Attorney Daniel Donovan.
“Seeking to ban him from preaching on the boats could constitute a violation of his First Amendment rights, but we are asking that the defendant use the ferry terminal only for traveling and not engage in behavior seen as harassing other patrons,” said Smith.
The spokesman said the defendant could be re-sentenced if he violates those conditions.
Ihedioha, who sources said is also known as Michael Nwadiuko, is one of several preachers who rove the ferries spouting Scripture and moral messages — often loudly — to some riders’ dismay.
Ihedioha’s lawyer, Ronald A. Gregg, said his client didn’t relinquish any rights but agreed not to break any rules aboard the boat. “This was an unfortunate incident, and both parties agreed it would be better to resolve it than go to trial,” said Gregg.