NM sect leader sentenced to 10 years
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) – The leader of an apocalyptic sect has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of sexual misconduct with a teenage female follower.
N.M. Sect Leader Sentenced to 10 YearsThe judge sentenced 67-year-old Wayne Bent to the maximum of 18 years on Tuesday, then suspended eight years.
Bent was convicted of 1 count of criminal sexual contact of a minor and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor earlier this month. He was acquitted of a second criminal sexual contact charge involving the younger of 2 sisters.
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Bent sentenced to 18years
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE) – Cult leader Wayne Bent was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 years in prison for molesting a young follower.
Eight years of Bent’s sentence were suspended, making the effective sentence 10 years unless the suspension is revoked.
Before the sentencing, the self-proclaimed messiah said in an online posting that the courts have again crucified the son of God.
Wayne Bent faced a mandatory minimum sentence of three years and up to 18 years after being found guilty by a jury in Taos on Dec. 15. He was convicted of one of two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Bent, 67, admitted lying naked with the two girls in 2006 but said any touching was an act of religious healing with no sexual overtones.
Bent is the leader of the Lord our Righteousness Church which also refers to its remote Union County compound northwest as Strong City.
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