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  11:13 A.M. Sw Mo. Pastor Will Plead Not Guilty to Renewed Abuse Charges

Joplin Globe
December 18, 2007

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_351121427.html

PINEVILLE, Mo. (AP) — The leader of a southwest Missouri church commune plans to plead not guilty to renewed charges of abusing two girls from his congregation.

A defense lawyer for the Rev. Raymond Lambert said the 52-year-old will plead not guilty when his first court appearance is rescheduled.

Lambert had been due for arraignment Monday in McDonald County.

But defense lawyer Duane Cooper said Associate Circuit Judge John LePage recused himself over an unspecified conflict dating back several years.

The judge asked that the case be reassigned to another judge.

Lambert faces eight counts including sexual abuse and child molestation. The county prosecutor refiled the charges this month after unexpectedly dropping the case in November.

 
 

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