No bail for Mexican megachurch leader in child rape case

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The leader of Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo will be held without bail on charges of child rape and human trafficking, a move that came after a historically-high $50 million bail was set earlier in the case.

A judge in Los Angeles ruled Tuesday that Naasón Joaquín García is a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Law enforcement officers who testified at the Superior Court hearing on Monday said $5 million had been raised for Garcia’s defense — 10% of his previous $50 million bail. Defendants who can post 10% of their bail amount typically are released pending further court actions.

Garcia and two co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing three girls and a woman in LA County. They’re due back in court Aug. 2.