N.M. apocalyptic sect leader released on bond
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)
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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.
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