Brooks Former Youth Pastor Charged with 1st-degree Rape
By Alexa Armstrong
A former youth pastor for the Brooks Assembly of God church made his initial appearance in court today and was formally charged with 10 counts of first-degree rape. Peter Bass, 36, appeared for his arraignment at the Marion County Circuit Court annex behind a glass partition sporting a blue jumpsuit and orange sandals. With his attorney, Robert Botta, by his side, he stood casually, resting his elbows on the ledge behind the glass. Bass did not speak or enter a plea. Bass of Brooks was arrested Wednesday morning on 15 counts each of first-degree sodomy and second-degree sex abuse, shocking the members of his small town. The Marion County Sheriff's Office has declined to say how Bass knew his victims, but said that it was not through his work as a youth pastor Botta requested Bass's bail be set at $500,000. It was denied by Marion Count Circuit Judge Channing Bennett, who set the bail at $1 million. Bennett nonetheless ordered that Bass was not to be released from jail under any circumstance, and described him as a danger to the public. The court also issued a no-contact order for Bass, prohibiting him from having any interaction with the victims or minors. He is also not to use a smartphone, the internet or a computer. It remained unclear Thursday when these alleged crimes took place. Sgt. Chris Baldridge, a spokesman for the Marion County Sheriff's Office declined to release the probable cause statement, explaining that it was because of the nature of the case and noting that juveniles were involved. A probable cause statement is a police affidavit that establishes why a suspect should be held in court until he can appear before a judge. They are usually released to the media after an arraignment. aarmstrong@statesmanjournal.com; (503) 399-6745 or follow on Twitter at @AlexaArletta
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