Cult leader proclaims innocence; to get own food

CLAYTON, N. M. (KRQE) - The man who claims to be the son of God stepped out of a jailhouse today and into a courthouse where he attempted to plead not guilty to sex charges involving juvenile followers.

Wayne Bent, 66, was arrested Tuesday at the cult's compound in northern Union County and today appeared before a magistrate judge for his formal arraignment.  The man who claims to be the Messiah and also goes by the name Michael Travesser is charged with criminal sexual contact of a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

He was reported to be on a hunger strike, and on his way into court was asked by a reporter if he had eaten.  "No, sir," Bent replied when a reporter asked

Investigators alleged he touched some of his juvenile followers while they were naked at the group's Strong City compound north of Clayton.

Bent's son and almost a dozen of Bent's followers from the Lord Our Righteousness Church also showed up to show their support.

"The case is basically a witch hunt," Jeff Bent said.  "Everything he has done he has done because people have come to him and asked him to do it."

Once again the elder Bent's actions were described as acts of healing.

During the arraignment before Magistrate Ilene Taylor read Bent's charges, explained his rights and decided on a bond amount.

Bent's bond amount was lowered to $55,000 from $500,000 although Bent told the judge he's not able to post the reduced amount.  The judge refused a request to release Bent on his own recognizance.

"I still have a concern as far as a flight risk, which I presented to the court" District Attorney Donald Gallegos said after the arraignment.  "I thought the court did a good job considering all the information."

Bent also attempted to plead not guilty to the charges but was told that was not the purpose of the arraignment.  Outside the court he answered, "Yes, sir," when a reporter asked him if he were innocent.

Gallegos said he expects to present the case to a grand jury later this month.

"We're looking at the dates right now to convene a grand jury here in Union County," he said.

The Clayton police chief said he's agreed to let Bent's followers bring him organic food and bottled water as long as they're in unopened, sealed containers.

"He won't be eating jail food," Jeff Bent said.  "He won't be drinking jail water.

"It seems to me that within his thinking he's not going to accept their food and their water in order to allow them to drag this out."

KRQE | Reporter:  Tim Maestas | Web Producer:  Bill Diven

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Previous coverage:  12:31 p.m. May 8, 2008

CLAYTON , N.M. (KRQE) - While rejecting a request to allow the leader of a self-admitted cult to be released on his own recognizance, a Union County judge today did agree to lower his bond.

Wayne Bent, also known as Michael Travesser, made his first court appearance today in Clayton.

He had little to say as he entered the courtroom, but did say he has refused to eat while in the Union County jail.

While in court, Union County Magistrate Ilene Taylor cut Travesser's bond from $500,000 to $50,000.

Through his court-appointed public defender, Travesser had tried to plead not guilty to the charges, but Taylor refused to accept the plea, saying the felony first appearance was not the appropriate setting.

Travesser, 66, is accused of inappropriately touching three girls at the compound for the Lord Our Righteousness Church.

He faces three counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The hearing this morning lasted about half an hour.

KRQE | Reporter: Tim Maestas | Web Producer: Todd Dukart  | The Associated Press contributed to this report.