LAKEPORT ? A judge denied a motion to reduce bail for a youth group leader charged with forced oral sex, in part because of the Kelseyville man”s domestic violence conviction.
Christopher Puryear, 23, remains in custody at the Lake County Jail on $250,000 bail.
Puryear allegedly made sexual advances to a 14-year-old girl in the Gateway Ministries youth group Nov. 25 outside the church, where he was a leader until his arrest.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of forced oral sex, intimidating a witness and sexual battery Dec. 28.
Defense attorney Stephen Carter said it”s a “stretch” to apply Puryear”s domestic violence record against his former spouse to this case. Carter said Puryear “would be a fool” to make sexual advances with young women if he were granted a lower bail.
Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg said Puryear”s impulses may “override common sense.”
“What I see is a person with a history of violence against females,” Borg said. “There”s not much difference in someone engaging in an act of domestic violence than sexual violence.”
Judge Richard Martin ruled to leave Puryear”s bail at $250,000 in order to protect the public from him because of his criminal record and lengthy prison sentence if convicted, he said.
The Lake County Sheriff”s Office is still investigating the case, including identifying other potential victims, Capt. Jim Bauman said.
Puryear will return to court 9 a.m. Friday for his preliminary hearing.
Gateway Ministries on Big Valley Road in Finley was formerly known as Big Valley Community Church.
Contact Katy Sweeny at ksweeny@record-bee.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
