BishopAccountability.org
	Church Follower Stands behind Accused "Prophet" KTNV July 6, 2009 http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10647083 [with video] He's the man police call a "self-proclaimed" prophet, now accused of sexually assaulting children. Days after the arrest of 75-year-old church leader Benito Catello, a woman who calls herself "a saint" is coming to his defense. We've agreed to not disclose her identity, but she claims to have known Catello since 1985. She says he's done nothing but spread faith and love from the Judaeo-Christian church he runs out of his home, near Owens and Mount Hood. She claims he gave religious followers cars, food and even gave her a house. "You can raise em' up, and you can do everything, and you teach them the life skills they need, but when they get on their own, it's this. There's no thanks for it." She says Catello spend alot of time with children, even taking some youth on trips to Disneyland. However, she refuses to believe he ever crossed the line. According to her, god put Catello in this position, and he's not capable of molesting a child. "We're all in absolute ming boggling shock. I mean when the news hit me, all I could do is sit there and say why?" In utter disbelief of the 29 felony charges against Catello, including sexual assault with a victim under 14 years of age, she refuses to believe he ever touched a child inappropriately. "I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this man would never hurt anybody. I've known him too long, traveled with this man, I slept in the same bed with him. He never touched me." She can't explain the accusations against the man followers know as "the chosen one", but she says all church services have since stopped. Catello is being held on $295,000 bail. Detectives are asking anyone who may know of any other possible victims to call Metro's Crimes Against Youth and Family at 828-3421. Callers can also call Crimestoppers at 385-5555 if they wish to remain anonymous. Stay with Action News for the latest in the case.
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