RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- CBS 6 News has learned that Geronimo Scott Aguilar, the pastor of the Richmond Outreach Center (ROC), will remain behind bars after an appearance in court Wednesday.
Earlier on Wednesday, a Richmond judge granted Aguilar a $50,000 bond and ordered him to be in Fort Worth by Friday. However, after lawyers discussed extradition details with Texas authorities, Aguilar waived extradition and was taken to jail.
Geronimo S. Aguilar (PHOTO: Richmond Police)
Additionally, the judge said that if Fort Worth authorities do not pick up Aguilar by Friday, he will hold another hearing in which bond may be granted.
CBS 6 was in court when Aguilar signed extradition documents.
"He could be picked up as early as tomorrow .They've already pre-set bond there in Texas without a hearing at $100,000, so we'll deal with bond when we get to Fort Worth,” said David Darlson.
The District Attorney’s Office in Tarrant County, Texas has formally charged the 43-year-old in in the first case with two counts of aggravated sex assault of a child under 14 and two counts of sexual assault of a child.
In another case involving a second alleged victim, Aguilar was also charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14, plus one count of indecency with a child.
Both case date back to accusations that he sexually abused two girls in 1996, according to Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office Public Information Officer Melody McDonald.
McDonald said Judge Louis Sturns set Aguilar's bail at $200,000 ($100,000 for each case). She said she did not know whether Aguilar, known locally as Pastor G, would waive or fight his extradition to Texas.
"In the first case involving one victim, Aguilar was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 – both counts are first degree felonies punishable by up to life in prison. He was also charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child – both counts are second degree felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison," McDonald said in an email. "In the second case involving the other victim, Aguilar was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 – both counts are first degree felonies punishable by up to life in prison. He was also charged with one count of indecency with a child – a second degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison."
If convicted on the aggravated charges, Aguilar faces life in prison faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of the other felonies.
Friends and congregation members showed up at the Manchester Courthouse to show their support as Aguilar appeared in court.
Roy Newcomb said he was there simply to stand by a friend.
“He's a friend of mine [and] innocent until proven guilty. And even if he is proven guilty, I’ll stand by him because he's my friend and everybody makes mistakes,” said Newcomb.
A board meeting slated for Wednesday evening at the ROC will likely focus on the next steps for the church
This is a developing story. Watch CBS 6 News and stick with WTVR.com for complete coverage.
