FLORIDA
Orlando Sentinel
By Arelis R. Hernández, Orlando Sentinel
A judge has ordered that the former pastor of a Chuluota church remain behind bars after being accused of sexually molesting a child for several years.
David Rutherford Downs, 54, of Chuluota was arrested last month after allegations emerged that he had had inappropriate contact with a child under the age of 12. He is charged with two counts of sexual battery, a capital offense.
During a bond hearing Wednesday, defense attorney Tad Yates questioned the credibility of Downs’ alleged victim and argued that his client should be set free because he poses no danger.
Downs, who founded and led Cornerstone Baptist Church in Chuluota for more than 20 years, encouraged church leaders to remove him as senior pastor and report the allegations, Yates said.
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