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Arguments heard to reconsider pretrial release for Jacksonville pastor facing sexual battery charges

Paul Dyal is one of three pastors accused in a sexual abuse scandal within the Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ Church.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Circuit Judge Tatiana Salvador heard arguments Tuesday about whether to reconsider pretrial release for Paul Dyal.

Dyal is one of three pastors accused in a sexual abuse scandal within the Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ Church on Old Kings Road.

In February, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office raided the church during worship services after a long-term investigation into claims of sexual abuse against minors.

Salvador said the defense raised “some new facts” that should be considered in the case, and plans to schedule a hearing to reconsider Dyal's pretrial release. 

The hearing will include arguments about whether conditions in the jail are detrimental to his health.

Those conditions are detailed in a motion to reconsider pretrial release, and include the fact that he has requested certain heart medications and a wheelchair, which the jail has not provided.

RELATED: Jacksonville pastor sexually abused child 20 to 30 times over years, warrant alleges

Dyal’s attorney also argued that a lawyer for one of his accusers sent a financial demand letter to Dyal in 2019, which he said showed a  “financial motive to fabricate these accusations.”

Salvador will decide later this week when that hearing will be.

Read the full motion here.

RELATED: Jacksonville pastor pleads not guilty to child sexual battery

RELATED: Jacksonville pastor facing sexual battery charges was denied bail

 

 

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