Fresno pastor accused of sexual abuse makes first court appearance

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By Theresa Freed

Story Published: Sep 13, 2007 at 8:53 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 13, 2007 at 8:54 PM EDT

John Bonine, 43, stood quietly next to defense attorney Jim Lambe.

The pastor entered a plea of not guilty. The charges have now been filed--44 pages of the complaint.

The counts outline basic information about alleged sex abuse of two girls. Jane Doe 1 was 14 or 15 at the time of the alleged crimes. Jane Doe 2 was under the age of 14.

Both girls are related to the pastor. And because there are two victims, if convicted Bonine could be sentenced to life in prison. Bond was set at $4,450,000.

Wednesday night ,church members met for an informational meeting.

Parents and others were advised that the alleged crimes did not happen at the church, and the victims are not outside of the pastor's family.

Youth Pastor Mansel Trimble said he knows Bonine better than just about anyone, and he never suspected anything was going on. He was quick to add his friend and colleague is innocent until proven guilty.

While the court sorts out the details, Trimble doesn't want to know much about the case. He's focused on Bonine's children and wife.

The various counts in the complaint break up the alleged abuse by month, starting with Jan. 1, 2003, and ending Aug. 31 of this year.

Bonine has served as a pastor in Fresn for four years.

Wednesday, Aug 19 at 9:27 PM jesse wrote ...

thats my math teachers ex husband

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