Pastor, Two Others Accused of Torturing Boy As Discipline

Los Angeles Times
April 5, 2012

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/04/pastor-two-others-accused-of-torturing-boy-as-discipline.html

The pastor of a small church in Corona and two other men have been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and torturing a boy.

Pastor Lonnie Remmers, 54, along with Nick Craig, 22, and Darryll Jeter, 28, face several charges.

The teen's mother took him to a men's group home in Corona on March 18 for help with discipline, according to authorities.

The home was operated by Heart of Worship Ministry under Remmers' direction. Police say Craig and Jeter took the boy to Barstow, where they allegedly beat him with a shovel and forced him to dig a grave, KTLA-TV reported.

The boy was later taken to Remmers' house, where the pastor allegedly used pliers to pinch him.

The boy did not have to be hospitalized, police said. He and his 7-year-old sister have been taken into the custody of Child Protective Services.

Craig and Jeter were booked on suspicion of kidnapping, torture, child abuse and conspiracy.

Remmers was booked on suspicion of torture, child abuse and conspiracy. Each was being held in lieu of $1-million bail. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Corona police at (951) 279-3662.