SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The San Antonio pastor charged with assaulting a teenage girl at a Christian boot camp returned to his church Monday.

The story captured national headlines after Pastor Charles Flowers and an employee were charged with dragging a 15-year-old girl behind a van.

Flowers and his wife, however, told his congregation that they would get through the difficult time with faith -- but no fear.

The church was filled to standing-room-only capacity by supporters rallying behind Flowers and camp trainer Stephanie Bassitt.

Flowers' attorneys said they would build a strong case around Flowers' honorable reputation, showing that they're representing a man who is known for helping the community.

They also explained how problems are bound to develop for a pastor who faces lots of resistance from troubled teens at camp.

"They're difficult people to deal with, they're on a path to destruction," Jimmy Parks, an attorney representing Flowers, said. "They're going to end up in prison, you give them one last chance, you ask this man to save your child's life -- you're going to have some children that resist him the way they resist their parents."

Both Flowers and Bassitt were indicted on one count of aggravated assault. They were freed on a $100,000 bond.


Story link | Previous story