Wayne Bent (below) testified Thursday Bent could have believed his contact with underage, nude girls was non-sexual
TAOS, N.M. (AP) - The leader of an apocalyptic religious sect told a jury Thursday that he lay in bed with and touched the sternums - but the not the breasts - of naked 14- and 16-year-olds.
Wayne Bent said he was careful that the healing exercises with the two sisters on separate occasions were not of a sexual nature.
"I paid close attention that I never touched any fatty area of the beast," Bent said. "I am certain of it."
During an hour on the witness stand, Bent told jurors, "I never touched any fleshy part of the breast. Bent, 67, a self-described Messiah and leader of The Lord Our Righteousness Church, is faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The defense rested Thursday. Closing statements are expected Friday.
The court also heard testimony from Dr. Stephen O'Leary, who said ancient Christians would lie naked in bed together to test their celibacy.
 Sect member defends church leader
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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