The sex-cult scandal at Hosanna Church in Ponchatoula is believed to have started when there were no legitimate church members left, two former church members said.

More arrested in cult case

PONCHATOULA, La. - Police have now arrested eight people suspected of involvement in the alleged sexual abuse of children and animals by a group of church members described by authorities as "cult-like."

PONCHATOULA, La. (AP) — Within the walls of Hosanna Church in this southeastern Louisiana town, children, dogs and cats were sexually abused by a minister and his "cult-like" group of members, authorities alleged.

HAMMOND -- Authorities arrested a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's deputy and a self-proclaimed minister Tuesday as part of a six-week investigation into the alleged cult-like practices of a Ponchatoula church that included having sex with children and animals, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said Wednesday.