A man who claims he can ‘cure’ gay people is facing charges he raped a teenage boy and threatened to kill him with his ‘warlock powers’ if he told.

Kentucky police have arrested Polly Ann Church of God youth pastor Rex Allen Murphy after the 16-year-old male came forward to say he was being sexually abused.

The abuse allegedly happened at the church and at the suspect’s home for a period of at least six months.

Colin Hatfield, the chief of Eubank police, has described the accusations as ‘very graphic and to the point’.

‘The victim stated that the suspect told him on numerous occasions that by brushing his skin or shaking his hand…he could tell his sins by the power he has. He comes from family of warlocks,’ Hatfield told WKYT.

‘He was very scared, because the suspect, in the victim’s eyes, had been threatening his life in the form of Wicca, witchcraft, black magic.’

In an interview with police, Murphy reportedly asserted he thought he would be able to help the victim with his ‘battle with homosexuality because he, too, had experimented with homosexuality’.

Police say Murphy confessed to the allegations but denied the references to witchcraft were meant as a threat.

The Polly Ann Church of God says Murphy met the boy when he was a student during his Sunday school class.

‘There is no reason to believe any abuse occurred on church grounds,’ a spokesman for the church said, adding the church was dealing with the situation internally.

Murphy was arrested on charges of first-degree sexual abuse, use of a minor under 18 in a sexual performance, and third-degree sodomy.

Police believe there could be additional victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Eubank Police on 606 425 1490.