CALIFORNIA
The Daily Journal
By Michelle Durand
The former Redwood City youth pastor accused of molesting two teenage boys earlier this summer pleaded not guilty yesterday to five felony charges of molestation and returns to court next month to set a preliminary hearing date.
Christopher Fouts, 26, waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing and returns Sept. 22 to pick a date.
Fouts, free from custody on a $100,000 bail bond, is also linked to at least two other victims but they are outside the jurisdiction of San Mateo County prosecutors.
The charges stem from two boys, ages 13 and 14, that Fouts allegedly met through his role as director of Middle School Ministries at Peninsula Covenant Church on Farm Hill Boulevard in Redwood City. The incidents occurred between January and June, according to the prosecution.
If convicted of just the five current felonies, Fouts faces a maximum of 13 years and four months in prison. No prior convictions are alleged against him. Fouts would also be required to register as a convicted sex offender.