South L.A. Church Leader Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Girl
LOS ANGELES (CBS) —A South Los Angeles church leader accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl who attended the church has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Leonel Pelayo, 45, of Carson, was charged with six felony counts, including committing a lewd act upon a child and unlawful sexual intercourse. Prosecutors say Pelayo, who is a pastor at Iglesia Apostolica Monte de Horeb, engaged in a sexual relationship with the teen between July 1 and Aug. 20.
Pelayo's attorney, Edward R. Munoz, described his client as "an active member of the church, " but said he was unaware whether Pelayo was a pastor.
Pelayo was arrested Sept. 9 by Los Angeles Police detectives and was released a few hours later after posting $140,000 bail.
The LAPD says Pelayo may have used some of the many properties he owns throughout Los Angeles and the county to commit the crimes.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Hilleri G. Merritt ordered Pelayo to return to the downtown Los Angeles courthouse on Nov. 5, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.
If convicted as charged, he faces up to four years and four months in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.
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