BOSTON -- The Rev. Eugene Rivers reacted Monday to allegations of sexual assault on a teen at Dorchester's Ella J. Baker House youth center.

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that Rivers, who runs the program, said he wants to set the record straight.

"If people know the truth above and beyond the smoke and the screen, they will do the right thing. I am confident that we are going to pay the bills, we are going to meet the needs and we are not going to let these children be sacrificed," Rivers said.

Derrick Patrick, 35, a boy's counselor at the center, is accused of paying a 17-year-old girl to have sex with him in a bathroom.

The alleged victim talked about the incident with NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson.

"I couldn't reach the floor, I couldn’t reach anything to kick anything, my arms were held down and my mouth was close. I couldn't say nothing. I was trying the whole time," the teen said.

On Monday, Rivers unveiled a new video surveillance system for the center. He also promised a full review of hiring and other practices at the center.

"Beginning today for the next 30 days, there is going to be a complete re-evaluation and inventory conducted. And 30 days from now, we want to issue our findings and recommendations on what we will do moving forward," Rivers said.

Patrick had served time for armed robbery and assault before working at the center. Rivers' wife said she felt there was a role for ex-convicts in the center.

"There are unique insights that ex-offenders bring for working with high-risk youth. And it is very important to us that these insights and that these skills that they bring continue to be available to the youth we serve," said Jacqueline Rivers.

Rivers would not talk about his conversations with the alleged victim and her mother.