New Mexico Religious Leader Facing Sex Charges: 100s Of Kids Passed Through Compound

GRANTS, NM — A "general" of a paramilitary religious sect in New Mexico who faces child sex abuse charges says "hundreds of kids" have safely passed through the group's compound.

James Green told KOB-TV in Albuquerque on Thursday that the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps teaches children living at the secluded compound to avoid talking to law enforcement agents because its members have experienced "tons of persecution" over the years in California, Oregon and New Mexico. Green said the compound was also subjected to drive-by shootings and unlawful raids by law enforcement agencies.

He says child sexual abuse charges filed against his wife, Deborah, were "all fake." (For more information on the religious sect and other New Mexico stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Deborah Green and seven other members are facing various charges in connection with a child abuse and child sex abuse investigation.

Green is asking Gov. Susana Martinez to visit the commune.

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Photo credit: Adron Gardner/Gallup Independent