AMITE (LA)
The Advocate
By The Associated Press
AMITE -- Authorities lodged additional charges Monday against one of nine people accused of engaging in cult-like activities involving the abuse of children and animals at the Hosanna Church in Ponchatoula.
Austin Aaron Bernard III was booked with two counts of aggravated rape, one count of sexual battery and one count of incest. The charges were lodged after FBI agents and Ponchatoula police investigated evidence that was seized at the church, the Tangipahoa Parish sheriff's office said.
Bernard, 36, of Hammond, was arrested on May 19 on one count of aggravated rape of a juvenile under the age of 13 -- a charge that carries a potential death penalty. He remained jailed without bond.
Posted by kshaw at June 13, 2005 06:21 PM