PONCHATOULA (LA)
Telegram & Gazette
The Associated Press
PONCHATOULA, La.— The pastor of what authorities called a "cult-like" church has been arrested in an investigation of possible sexual abuse of up to two dozen children.
The pastor's wife, a sheriff's deputy, and five other church members were also arrested on sex charges this week, and all remained in custody without bond Friday.
The alleged victims ranged in age from infants to teens, officials said. Animal abuse was also alleged.
The roundup came after a woman called sheriff's deputies five weeks ago from Columbus, Ohio, to say that she had fled Louisiana out of fear for her child, authorities said. She and her husband were among those arrested.
Posted by kshaw at May 20, 2005 04:10 PM