LAKEPORT — Attorneys said they may have negotiated a deal Friday in the case against a Kelseyville man charged with sexual assault of a 14-year-old in the youth group he led.
Christopher Puryear, 23, is scheduled to return to court Friday for his preliminary hearing but his defense attorney, Stephen Carter, said he and the deputy district attorney may have worked something out by then.
Puryear allegedly forced oral sex on a 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.
Deputy district attorney Ed Borg said the investigation is ongoing and that evidence continues to trickle in, including phone records of text messages and calls.
Puryear remains in custody at the Lake County Jail on $250,000 bail.
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.
