Just when you think this can't get any worse.... It seems Donny sent a seven page letter to one of the girls.... And his bail was set at $1 Million.
New article:
Donny Pauling Jr. ? the pornographer turned pastor accused of having sex with underage girls ? attempted to indirectly coerce an alleged victim into not testifying, a Sutter County prosecutor said Friday.
Evidence was discussed during a Sutter County Superior Court hearing to set a bail amount for Pauling in three separate sex-related cases.
Judge Brian Aronson said Pauling is "not understanding boundaries very well," and set total bail at $1,025,000.
Defense attorney Roberto Marquez said he and Pauling have a right to call the alleged victims liars. Aronson agreed Marquez has that right, and the motivation to do so is clear. But the judge questioned Pauling's motivation for sending a letter from jail to a teenage friend of one of the victims.
Deputy District Attorney Anu Chopra said she received a copy of the seven-page letter written by Pauling that described how the alleged victim could "make this all go away" by invoking Marsy's law, which, in part, protects victims from being penalized by the courts for refusing to testify.
He also wrote the alleged victim wouldn't have to admit she was lying, according to Chopra.
"I don't think Pauling has let go of his belief that he can intimidate his way out of these cases," Aronson said.
Marquez has said he believes all three of the alleged victims are lying.
"My experience shows, as a defense attorney and a prosecutor, that teen girls are willing and able to fabricate allegations. They make horrible witnesses because they are not smart enough to present their lies as truth," Marquez said.
District Attorney Amanda Hopper responded, "Sexual assault cases by their very sensitive and traumatic nature are examined very closely before any filing decisions are made. That includes looking at the veracity of any witness or victims as well as finding corroboration for their statements. My office has not taken this case or the filing decision lightly."
Marquez said Pauling had no inappropriate sexual relationship with any of the alleged victims.
"I believe once these alleged victims come to testify, I don't believe their allegations are going to be substantiated," Marquez said.
Pauling is scheduled to return to court from Colusa County Jail to set a jury trial on June 8.
link:
Prosecutor: Pauling tried to coerce alleged victim; $1 million bail in 3 Sutter County sex cases - Appeal-Democrat: News