A former religious leader and real estate agent from Kerikeri has pleaded guilty to 55 charges of sexually abusing young boys — crimes that went undetected for decades.
William Stephen Easton, 79, appeared in Kaikohe District Court on Thursday, 4 July 2025, where he admitted to a string of historical sex offences committed between 1964 and 1981. His six victims were all boys. The youngest was just eight years old.
At the time, Easton was a senior figure in the Two by Twos — a secretive Christian sect also known as The Truth. He served as a minister for the group from **1966 to 1976**, but continued attending meetings until 2024, well after his leadership ended.
The charges include indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection. Many of the offences happened while Easton was in a position of trust within the sect. Court documents reveal he used his religious status to access and abuse boys over nearly two decades.
Until recently, Easton was working as a real estate agent in the Bay of Islands. His name was still listed on Harcourts Kerikeri’s website until he was charged. The company confirmed Easton cut ties immediately once the allegations surfaced.
He’s now behind bars awaiting sentencing. His lawyer told the court he’s open to restorative justice if the victims are willing.
Police say Easton’s case is part of a wider investigation into child sexual abuse within the Two by Twos religious movement in New Zealand.
The Paper 