Three men, including a pastor, pleaded not guilty for allegedly torturing and kidnapping a 13-year-old child after his mother sent him to a men’s group home and bible study for guidance.
Shackled and clad in orange jump suits, Lonnie Remmers, 54; Darryl Jeter, 28 and Nicholas Craig, 22, entered their plea in front of Judge Becky Dugan at a Riverside County Superior Courthouse.
The three belonged to the Heart of Worship church in Corona which operated a men’s group home where some of the alleged crimes are said to have occurred.
The young boy was allegedly driven by Jeter and Craig to an unknown area in Barstow under the direction of Remmers, the pastor of the church.
Remmers instructed Jeter and Craig to “scare” the victim, according to a Corona Police Department news release.
The boy was forced to dig his own grave as the suspects allegedly threatened to kill him, according to police.
During a separate incident, the boy was allegedly physically assaulted by Remmers during a bible study at the pastor’s home.The pastor allegedly pinched the victim with pliers, according to the LA Times.
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Jeter posted a testimony on the church’s website claiming to have struggled in the past with drugs, sex and money.
“I had two choices: death in the streets or prison,” Jeter wrote.
The boy was originally taken to the men’s group home by his mother on March 18.
The victim and his 7-year-old sister have been taken into the custody of Child Protective Services, according to the LA Times.
Remmers was arrested and charged on suspicion of torture, child abuse, and conspiracy.
Craig and Jeter were both arrested and charged on suspicion of kidnapping, torture, child abuse and conspiracy.
All three had bail set at $1 million.
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