NEVADA
The Eagle
Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Testimony has begun in the trial of a former storefront church pastor and international fugitive accused of sexually assaulting girls in his Henderson congregation under the guise of counseling.
Otis Holland’s defense attorney Carmine Colucci told a jury Thursday the teenage girls accusing the former United Faith Church congregation leader of abusing them might have concocted stories because they thought they loved Holland.
Prosecutor Robert Langford told jurors many of Holland’ church teachings revolved around the idea that most women have desires but sexual hang-ups that prevent them from achieving spiritual goals.
The 59-year-old Holland has pleaded not guilty to 17 felonies including child sexual assault, lewdness and bribing a witness.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.