OREGON
Bend Bulletin
By Claire Withycombe / The Bulletin / @kcwithycombe
Published Jan 21, 2015
Deschutes County Circuit Judge Beth Bagley, after hearing arguments from attorneys, postponed a decision Tuesday on whether to modify release conditions for a Gresham pastor accused of sexually abusing two children in Deschutes County between 2002 and 2004.
Bagley is scheduled to make a decision after hearing further arguments Thursday.
Appearing via video from the Deschutes County jail, 42-year-old James Worley wept as his lawyer, Richard Cohen, argued to reduce the $1 million bail set by Deschutes County Circuit Judge Walter “Randy” Miller on Jan. 7. Members of the Powell Valley Church, where Worley is a general pastor, filled the courtroom, holding hands and bibles.
Cohen argued Worley had been cooperating with authorities since the allegations of abuse were disclosed by a female in July 2012. He was arrested on a warrant by Gresham Police on Dec. 17, Cohen said.
“It’s been known for a long time,” said Cohen. He said Worley, per a court ruling, has maintained no contact with one of the alleged victims, a female who is now an adult.
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