N.M. apocalyptic sect leader released on bond
[an error occurred while processing this directive]SANTA FE, N.M. — Authorities say the leader of an apocalyptic sect in northeastern New Mexico has been released from jail after his son posted his bond.
The clerk of the magistrate court in Clayton said a $55,000 bond was posted for Wayne Bent. He was released Friday afternoon.
This undated photo provided by the The Lord Our Righteousness Church, shows church leader Wayne Bent. Bent was arrested Tuesday, May 6, 2008, on three charges of criminal sexual contact. Bent, who goes by the name of Michael Travesser, claims to be the Messiah. He allegedly acknowledged having sex with his followers, but there was no immediate information from state police on who the alleged victims are. (AP Photo/Courtesy of The Lord Our Righteousness Church)
|
Bent is accused of sex crimes against young female followers. His sect lives on a compound called Strong City in a remote area near the New Mexico-Colorado line.
At first court appearance on Thursday, his bond was lowered from $500,000.
___
Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.