Canadian cult leader ‘The Prophet’ faces trial after allegedly abusing church members

CANADA
Christian Times

Suzette Gutierrez Cachila
15 MAY, 2016

The leader of a cult-like church in Ontario, Canada faced trial in court on Tuesday, May 10 over several charges including sexual assault.

Fred King, also known as “The Prophet” to his followers, allegedly abused church members by punching, kicking, and spitting on them. At times, he would even make some of them strip naked before the rest of the congregation.

The 57-year-old leader of the Church of Jesus Christ Restored is facing charges from as far back as 1978 until 2008 when he was the head of the cult-like organization. He assumed leadership upon the death of his father, Stanley, whose wives were also passed to him.

The charges filed against King include issuing death threats and sexual interference. In 2012, former church members accused him of physical and sexual assault. He disappeared when the allegations surfaced. He was found hiding in a hotel in Hamilton and was arrested in 2014.

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