Cult posting revives mass-suicide concerns

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - More than a few folks got nervous Thursday when Wayne Bent, the self-proclaimed and indicted Messiah of a northeast New Mexico religious cult, posted an online message saying he was ready to go and take his children with him.

Two days after his indictment for alleged sex crimes against children, Bent commentary revived earlier concerns about cult members killing themselves.  Police followed up on similar concerns several years ago but concluded they were unfounded.

The posting sparked a number of questions which KRQE News 13 posed via e-mail to Strong City, the group's compound in rural Union County.

In his response, Bent, who also goes by Michael Travesser, said his latest posting is a reference to something the apostle Paul once said.  He also added that mass suicide would "never be an option" because it's the "coward's way off of the earth."

The cult leader has insisted he touched some of his naked juvenile followers during acts of healing and said he's ready to stand for his faith no matter what the court eventually decides.

He and his followers will bear what he calls the "injustice, false charges, and the criminals who falsely accuse (them), and "bear them to the end," Bent said.

The Union County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico State Police, and the FBI are all aware of Bent's latest message.

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