ARKANSAS
Arkansas Online
By Tracy Neal
BENTONVILLE — Police on Wednesday arrested a pastor at an Avoca church in connection with sexually abusing two teen girls who were members of the church.
Cesar Lopez, 59, of Rogers was being held in the Benton County Jail on Thursday with no bond set. He was arrested on two counts of second-degree sexual assault, a felony. He could be sentenced from five to 20 years in prison on each count if convicted.
Prosecutors haven’t filed formal charges against Lopez.
“Mr. Lopez denies any wrongdoing and will defend his innocence accordingly,” said Monzer Mansour, a Fayetteville attorney who represents Lopez.
Lopez’s arrest was the result of a monthlong investigation by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, according to a probable cause affidavit. The investigation began after the office received a tip from the Arkansas State Police child abuse hot line about the abuse.
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