The pastor of an evangelical church in Lynn has pleaded not guilty to child rape and sexual assault charges.
LYNN, Mass. (AP) — The pastor of an evangelical church in Lynn has pleaded not guilty to child rape and sexual assault charges.
Daniel Lopez was released on $25,000 bail after his arraignment Tuesday in Lynn District Court on charges of rape of a child with force and multiple counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.
Authorities allege that the 52-year-old Lopez sexually assaulted five children under the age of 9 and also raped one of the children between 2004 and 2008. Their families came forward in March.
Police say the children were touched above and below their clothing.
Police say Lopez is pastor of the Vida Real Internacional Congregation.
The Daily Item (http://bit.ly/16f2sZ7 ) reports that Lopez's lawyer said his client "absolutely maintains his innocence and absolutely denies these allegations."
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Information from: The (Lynn, Mass.) Daily Item, http://itemlive.com